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Tag: climate

  • Afghanistan’s Green Revolution: Beacon of Hope Amidst Climate Challenges

    Afghanistan’s Green Revolution: Beacon of Hope Amidst Climate Challenges

    In Afghanistan, especially in Kabul, people are enjoying peaceful days with temperatures around 16 degrees Celsius. This is different from many South and Southeast Asian countries where people are struggling with intense heat.

    Afghanistan

    Afghanistan is ranked 86th in air pollution, which is better than many countries in South and Southeast Asia. The government is taking steps to improve air quality by building parks and gardens in major cities like Kabul.

    The government aims to reduce pollution to zero by planting thousands of trees and constructing a new city called ‘New Kabul City’. This new city will have plenty of green spaces and water supply to control temperatures and maintain natural balance.

    Surprisingly, Afghanistan’s government is focusing on climate change and protecting the environment, which shows its commitment to creating a natural paradise.

    In cities like Kabul, people are taking advantage of the green environment to relax and spend leisure time peacefully. The construction of large parks and gardens across major cities, including the capital, is part of the government’s efforts to combat pollution and create a healthier living environment for its citizens.

    The initiative to build ‘New Kabul City’ demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to urban development, with a strong emphasis on incorporating green spaces and sustainable practices. By prioritizing the preservation of natural balance, Afghanistan is positioning itself as a model for environmentally conscious urban planning.

    Despite negative perceptions of Afghanistan, the government’s proactive stance on environmental issues is garnering praise and recognition. As the country continues to invest in green infrastructure and promote sustainability, it is transforming into a natural haven amidst the challenges of climate change and pollution.

  • Climate Change: Why We Need a CERN-Like Initiative

    Climate Change: Why We Need a CERN-Like Initiative

    In the face of escalating climate challenges, there’s a growing consensus among scientists that we need more advanced tools to accurately predict and combat the impacts of climate change. Tim Palmer, a prominent climate scientist, argues that developing high-resolution climate models akin to the particle-physics research facility CERN could be the key to addressing this urgent need. We’ll explore Palmer’s perspective and the reasons behind his call for a CERN-like initiative for climate change.

    CERN

    Recent years have seen unexpected spikes in global temperatures, highlighting the limitations of current climate models in predicting extreme weather phenomena. Despite being an El Niño year, the record-breaking warmth of 2023 caught climate scientists off guard, revealing gaps in our understanding of complex climate dynamics.

    Conventional climate models lack the spatial resolution needed to accurately simulate weather extremes like droughts, heatwaves, and floods. With grid-point spacings typically around 100 km, these models provide a blurred vision of future climate, hindering our ability to make informed decisions and adapt to climate change effectively.

    Reliable climate models are essential for assessing the urgency of reaching net-zero emissions, implementing effective adaptation measures, and exploring geoengineering solutions. Current models fall short in simulating critical processes and tipping points, undermining their usefulness for policymakers and societies.

    Palmer emphasizes the necessity of pooling human and computing resources on an international scale to develop high-resolution climate models. Drawing inspiration from collaborative research institutes like CERN, he proposes the creation of internationally federated institutes dedicated to climate change research.

    With the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events on the rise, there’s an urgent need to accelerate efforts in climate modeling. Despite some progress in developing high-resolution models, the current pace is insufficient to address the pressing challenges posed by climate change.

  • Climate Change Threatens $38 Trillion Annual Economic Losses

    Climate Change Threatens $38 Trillion Annual Economic Losses

    Climate change is not just a future concern and it is already causing economic harm worldwide, according to recent studies. If we don’t take action, climate change could hurt economies by reducing Gross Domestic Product (GDP). A study from ETH Zurich found that if global temperatures rise by 3ºC, it could reduce the world’s GDP by 10%. This would disrupt economic activity and productivity.

    Climate Change

    Climate Change and Economic Sectors
    Climate change doesn’t just mean higher temperatures; it also brings unpredictable weather patterns. The Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research predicts a 19% income reduction globally by 2050 due to climate change, equating to $38 trillion in annual losses.

    Rainfall Disruptions
    Erratic rainfall patterns caused by climate change lead to flooding and droughts, damaging infrastructure and crops. Extreme rainfall events can overwhelm drainage systems, disrupt supply chains, and result in significant economic costs.

    Economic Toll of Heat Waves
    Heatwaves reduce labor productivity, strain healthcare systems, and lead to economic losses. Even countries unaccustomed to high temperatures face economic consequences from heatwaves.

    Global Economy Threat
    Transitioning to clean energy sources requires upfront investments but is crucial for avoiding the worst economic impacts of climate change. Investing in clean energy now is more cost-effective than dealing with the consequences later.

    Climate Change Injustice
    Less developed nations, which contributed least to climate change, will suffer the most severe economic consequences. This exacerbates global inequality and highlights the need for urgent action.

    Cut Emissions Now
    Limiting warming to 1.5ºC requires deep cuts in carbon emissions within this decade. Renewable energy technologies offer a pathway to decarbonization, but swift action is essential to avoid catastrophic economic losses and human suffering.

  • Impact of Climate Change on Earth’s Rotation: A Timekeeping Challenge

    Impact of Climate Change on Earth’s Rotation: A Timekeeping Challenge

    Everyone understands that a day consists of 24 hours which are further divided into hours, minutes, and seconds. That means, a day is defined as the period from one dawn to the next, determined by the Earth’s rotation on its axis. But recently a confusion has arisen regarding the Earth’s rotation time which is attributed to climate change.

    Earth's rotation

    A study published in a journal highlights that global warming is altering the Earth’s speed which is affecting its rotation. The melting of polar ice due to rising temperatures is causing the Earth to rotate at a slower pace than usual.

    Scientists are now urging timekeepers worldwide to consider subtracting a second from our clocks by 2029, a phenomenon known as a negative leap second. Climate change-induced alterations in watersheds are contributing to the Earth’s rotation slowing down.

    The Earth’s rotation on its axis has notably increased, but there is a slight deceleration. This shift in rotation speed could significantly impact clock time. The accelerated melting of ice in Greenland and Antarctica compared to three decades ago is a stark indicator of this change.

    The substantial change in Earth’s rotation due to climate change may necessitate the subtraction of a second from clocks. This adjustment could pose significant challenges for computer and network timing systems.

    Global timekeeping relies on the Earth’s rotation which is subject to variability. Consequently the duration of day and night may not always be equal. Scientists are contemplating the possibility of implementing the first second subtraction in 2026 as a response to these changes.

  • Climate Change Impact: Surprising Growth of Plants in Antarctica

    Climate Change Impact: Surprising Growth of Plants in Antarctica

    Flowers are blooming in the snowy lands, and while this may sound nice, it’s raising concerns among scientists. This unusual event has taken place in Antarctica, a place where such things didn’t happen before. It’s making experts worried because it’s connected to climate change.

    Flowers

    Until 2009, not much greenery was spotted in Antarctica, but that started changing rapidly. Different types of plants, mostly mosses and algae, are now flourishing in this icy region, all thanks to shifting climate conditions. This sudden growth isn’t all good news.

    The reason for concern is that the delicate balance of Antarctica’s ecosystem might be in danger. Australian scientists were the first to notice these changes. Initially, the plant was only found in specific areas, but now it’s spreading throughout Antarctica.

    In the past, the plants struggled to survive in the extreme cold, but now they are thriving. More and more plants are sprouting, and this transformation is attributed to climate change and human activities.

    It’s believed that humans unintentionally brought these seeds to Antarctica. In the past, the harsh cold kept them from growing into plants. However, now these seeds are finding their way into fertile ground, leading to the growth of plants. Some scientists also suggest that the declining number of seals might be contributing to the increase in plant species.