Environment

Tanzania’s dams: flood risk depends on how they’re planned and operated

By Barnaby Joseph Dye, University of York The Rufiji River, which drains into Tanzania’s south-east coast, experienced a major wave of flooding in April 2024. The flooding caused tragic loss of life and affected at least 88,000 individuals. More than 28,000 hectares of crops were damaged. There has been much debate in Tanzania on the causes of this disaster, particularly the presumed role of the new […]

30 May, 2024

Environment

Another violent storm hits Texas, killing one person and leaving half a million without power

Another round of violent storms has hit Texas - killing at least one person… and leaving a trail of destruction. About half a million people are without power in the state with officials warning they could be in the dark for days. Toni Waterman reports:

30 May, 2024

Environment

Namibia declares state of emergency due to drought

President Nangolo Mbumba has declared a state of emergency regarding the current drought, effective 22 May 2024. Ministry of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform spokesperson, Jona Musheko says the declaration will allow the ministry to mobilise resources, and ensure that the necessary assistance is given to affected communities. Namibia declared a state of emergency due to severe drought in 2013, 2016, 2019, and now 2024. Rhingo Mutambo, chief public relations officer […]

28 May, 2024

Africa

Horn of Africa droughts: how a network of groundwater bores could help – study

By Bradley Hiller, University of Cambridge The Horn of Africa recently suffered its worst drought in almost half a century, and its sixth failed rainfall season in a row. Fifty million people were directly affected and 100 million more were indirectly affected. About 20 million people risked acute food insecurity and potential famine, 4.4 million required humanitarian aid, and refugees fleeing drought and floods […]

27 May, 2024

Environment

South Africa: Gold mine pollution is poisoning Soweto’s water and soil – study finds food gardens are at risk

By Lesego Khomo, University of South Africa For 140 years, gold mines in Johannesburg, South Africa have been leaking wastewater contaminated with heavy metals. The acid mine drainage from Johannesburg’s estimated 278 abandoned mines and 200 mine dumps includes uranium (a radioactive metal), toxic arsenic, copper, cobalt, nickel, lead and zinc. Acid mine drainage can pollute land and water sources up to 20 kilometres away from […]

24 May, 2024

Environment

Green Hydrogen Commissioner responds to environmental assessment call

Following a call by the Namibian Chamber of Environment on the government, Germany, and the European Union to commission an independent and transparent strategic environmental assessment of the green hydrogen sector, warning that projects in the Tsau ||Khaeb National Park could harm its integrity, biodiversity, and landscape. We contacted Green Hydrogen Commissioner James Mnyupe to discuss how his office plans to address the concerns. Mnyupe says the Environment Ministry will […]

23 May, 2024

Environment

Environmentalists angered as Mumbai flamingos die in plane incident

Dozens of flamingos have been killed in the Indian city of Mumbai after an airplane hit them, leading to anger among environmentalists. The Emirates flight landed safely after the incident. Rebecca Bundhun reports from Mumbai.

23 May, 2024

Environment

UN Chief calls for action to protect biodiversity and combat climate change

One million species now under threat, and humanity is to blame, the United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres has warned, in a call to protect the plants, animals, microorganisms and more, that sustain all life on Earth. Pollution, climate chaos, habitat loss and exploitation of nature have pushed a million plant and animal species to the brink of extinction. Guterres called on developed countries to invest in biodiversity and climate action […]

23 May, 2024

Environment

Heat waves can be deadly for older adults: An aging global population and rising temperatures mean millions are at risk

Older adults face health risks from high heat for many reasons, including medications. AP Photo/Manu Fernandez By Deborah Carr, Boston University; Enrica De Cian, Ca' Foscari University of Venice; Giacomo Falchetta, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, and Ian Sue Wing, Boston University A deadly heat wave gripped large regions of Asia for weeks in April and May 2024. As temperatures climbed past 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43.3 Celsius) […]

23 May, 2024