A new study finds that drought and flood-causing rains are linked to increases in deadly diarrhea-related illnesses for young children in the Global South.
The big picture: This further demonstrates the role of climate-related impacts on the inequitable burden of disease.
False-color view of total ozone over the Antarctic pole on Jan. 7. Photo: Nasa
The recovery of Earth's ozone layer, the vital atmospheric shield that protects the planet by absorbing most of the Sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation, is back on track, according to a new report from a panel of United Nations-backed scientists.
Why it matters: The report found that recent rogue emissions of CFC-11, an ozone-destroying chemical that was primarily being released from factories in northeastern China, have significantly declined since 2018, putting the ozone layer on course to recover within four decades.
The job of the modern-day archaeologist is changing rapidly, as flooding, wildfires and other extreme weather-related curveballs damage or destroy excavation sites — and drought reveals long-hidden historic artifacts.
Why it matters: Important cultural treasures and historical records are at stake as heirlooms from the past are damaged or curiosity-seekers grab souvenirs.
The big picture: The latest in a barrage of destructive atmospheric rivers that've caused widespread power outages since late last month began unleashing more powerful winds and heavy rains on California Sunday night — prompting Sacramento County to issue evacuation orders for Wilton-area residents, with flooding "imminent."
Natural disasters are becoming more frequent, intense and "increasingly less natural," Australia's Climate Change minister Chris Bowen said Monday in response to the latest round of historic flooding to hit the country, per the Guardian.
Driving the news: Bowen told reporters in Sydney there's "absolutely" a link between global warming and the recent flooding in Western Australia's Kimberly region — which saw remote communities along the Fitzroy River cut off as floodwaters in the town of Fitzroy Crossing peaked at a record 51.87 feet.