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The deadly landslides in Kerala's ecologically fragile Wayanad district were triggered by a heavy burst of rainfall, made 10 per cent heavier by <keyword id="19907392" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="climate-change" source="keywords">climate change</keyword>, according to a new rapid attribution study by a global team of scientists. Researchers from India, Sweden, the US and the UK warned that such events will become more common as the climate continues to warm. To measure the impact of human-caused climate change, the scientists from the <keyword id="12008149" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="World-Weather-Attribution" source="Orion">World Weather Attribution</keyword> (WWA) group analysed climate models with high enough resolution to accurately reflect rainfall in the relatively small study area. The models indicated that the intensity of rainfall has increased by 10 per cent due to climate change, they said. The models also predict a further four per cent increase in rainfall intensity if the average <keyword id="21951013" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="global-temperature" source="keywords">global temperature</keyword> rises by two degrees Celsius compared to the 1850-1900 average. The scientists, however, said there is a "high level of uncertainty" in the model results as the study area is small and mountainous with complex rainfall-climate dynamics. Having said that, the increase in heavy one-day rainfall events aligns with a growing body of scientific evidence on extreme rainfall in a warming world, including in India, and the understanding that a warmer atmosphere holds more moisture, leading to heavier downpours. According to scientists, the atmosphere's capacity to hold moisture increases by about 7 per cent for every one-degree Celsius rise in global temperature. The Earth's global surface temperature has already increased by around 1.3 degrees Celsius due to the rapidly rising concentration of greenhouse gases, primarily carbon dioxide and methane. Scientists say this is the reason behind worsening <keyword id="19912530" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="extreme-weather-events" source="keywords">extreme weather events</keyword>, such as droughts, heat waves and floods worldwide. The WWA scientists said that while the relationship between land cover, land use changes and landslide risk in Wayanad is not fully clear from existing studies, factors, such as quarrying for building materials and a 62 per cent reduction in forest cover may have increased the slopes' susceptibility to landslides during heavy rainfall. Other researchers have also linked the <keyword id="22597176" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Wayanad-landslides" source="keywords">Wayanad landslides</keyword> to a combination of forest cover loss, mining in fragile terrain and prolonged rain followed by heavy precipitation. S Abhilash, the director of the Advanced Centre for Atmospheric Radar Research at Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT), had earlier told PTI that the warming of the Arabian Sea is leading to the formation of deep cloud systems, resulting in extremely heavy rainfall in Kerala in a short period and increasing the risk of landslides. "Our research found that the southeast Arabian Sea is becoming warmer, causing the atmosphere above Kerala to become thermodynamically unstable. This instability is allowing the formation of deep clouds," he had said. According to the landslide atlas released by ISRO's National Remote Sensing Centre last year, 10 out of the top 30 landslide-prone districts in India are in Kerala, with Wayanad ranked at the 13th spot. A study published by Springer in 2021 said all landslide hotspots in Kerala are in the Western Ghats region and are concentrated in Idukki, Ernakulam, Kottayam, Wayanad, Kozhikode and Malappuram districts. It said about 59 per cent of total landslides in Kerala have occurred in plantation areas. A 2022 study on depleting forest cover in Wayanad showed that 62 per cent of forests in the district disappeared between 1950 and 2018, while plantation cover rose by around 1,800 per cent.

Wayanad landslides linked to 10% heavier rainfall due to climate change: Study

Archaeological evidence has shown that our modern human ancestors did not shy away from jumping in bed with other early hominin groups their paths crossed with during windows in evolutionary history. It has long been known that modern humans and Neanderthals interbred quite a bit, and repeatedly at that. However, most recent findings have found that our ancestors were a lot more adventurous than we thought. For a long time, scientists assumed <keyword id="21346409" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="human-evolution" source="keywords">human evolution</keyword> was a neat, linear process. We mingled, swapped DNA and picked up genes that helped us thrive in different environments. Thanks to recent <keyword id="23569495" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="genetic-research" source="keywords">genetic research</keyword>, scientists now know that Denisovans played a big part in this story – and they did it in more ways than one. Evidence shows that Denisovans contributed DNA to our ancestors not just once, but in at least three separate <keyword id="23952885" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="interbreeding-events" source="keywords">interbreeding events</keyword>! <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="101066001" title="How interbreeding between humans and our Neanderthal cousins 40,000 years ago affects our health today" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>Unlike Neanderthal remains, scientists have but a few Denisovan fossils to study — a pinky finger bone, jaw, teeth, and skull fragments. And this is likely why we have taken longer to piece together their history and relationship to us. While the quest continues to uncover more Denisovan remains, new research has already revealed some fascinating details about how these ancient relatives help us today. For instance, bits of <keyword id="23952883" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Denisovan-DNA" source="keywords">Denisovan DNA</keyword> were found in the genomes of people living today, especially in regions where survival meant adapting to extreme conditions. As it turns out, a Denisovan gene helps people cope with low oxygen levels at high altitudes in <keyword id="23952888" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Tibetan-populations" source="keywords">Tibetan populations</keyword>. In Arctic Inuit populations, Denisovan genes help people generate extra warmth to combat freezing temperatures. Other Denisovan genes boost our immune system, making us more resilient in the face of illness. So, the next time you’re taking a deep breath at high altitudes or bundling up against the cold, remember: you might just be tapping into some ancient Denisovan resilience that’s been part of your genetic code for thousands of years. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="105996752" title="If you&amp;#39;re an early riser, you may have Neanderthal DNA to thank for it" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>

Modern humans mated with Denisovans several times in history and it gave us some surprising superpowers!

For the past few years, communicating the devastating perils of <keyword id="6361617" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="climate-change" source="Orion">climate change</keyword> was typically carried out by weaponising numbers, charts, and the occasional splattering of soup on paintings. Now, the process has turned far more visual and gruesome — the common man watches in anguish as unprecedented floods drown hundreds in Brazil, Kenya, and the UAE, while brutal heatwaves incapacitate elections in India. The latest climate atrocity has befallen the holy city of <keyword id="6364756" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="mecca" source="Orion">Mecca</keyword> in <keyword id="50996" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="saudi-arabia" source="Orion">Saudi Arabia</keyword>, where blistering heatwaves have already killed an estimated 900 pilgrims during the annual Hajj rites. According to reports, temperatures have climbed to nearly 52°C in the city, where about 1.8 million devotees have gathered for the days-long outdoor procession. Around 175,000 Indians also attended Hajj this year, of whom 68 Indian nationals have been confirmed dead by Saudi Arabian diplomats. According to an AFP report, these fatalities have been attributed to “natural causes” as well as “weather conditions.” <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="What is Hajj?" comment="subhead" text="What is Hajj?">What is Hajj?</cmsannotation> Just like Indian Hindus may indulge in the annual Kanwar, Amarnath or the Char Dham Yatras, many Muslims embark on a yearly Hajj <keyword id="44351" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="pilgrimage" source="Orion">pilgrimage</keyword> to the sacred city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. In Islam, Hajj — meaning pilgrimage made to the central religious ‘Kaaba’ monument—is considered a mandatory pious duty for all adult Muslims physically and financially capable of making the journey. The process of pilgrimage takes around a week — with tens of hours outdoors—and takes place in the last month of the Islamic calendar. Since 2015, this has fallen during the Saudi Arabian summers, when temperatures typically cross 40°C. During certain rites such as the Tawaf, eating food is prohibited, but drinking is encouraged due to the risk of dehydration amid such hot environments. Barring the COVID-19 lockdown years, the Hajj pilgrimage typically draws millions of visitors to Mecca, resulting in severe levels of crowding. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="What is the scale of the devastation?" comment="subhead" text="What is the scale of the devastation?">What is the scale of the devastation?</cmsannotation> While Saudi Arabia has refrained from provided official information on the tragic fatalities, they report that over 2,700 people suffered from “heat exhaustion” on Sunday alone. This comes despite large investments in stringent safety measures — a stark necessity considering that deaths due to heat and other causes have become a common sight during Hajj. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Why did it happen and what’s next?" comment="subhead" text="Why did it happen and what’s next?">Why did it happen and what’s next?</cmsannotation> Saudi Arabia, being an arid and hot region, can witness temperatures climbing to especially unbearable levels during its summer months. Further, these temperatures have continued to climb over the past few decades, courtesy of climate change. This can inflict a plethora of heat-related health issues on the devotees that take part in the outdoor pilgrimage during Hajj. According to 2019 MIT research, worsening heat and humidity conditions are set to worsen in several areas where Hajj takes place, posing “extreme danger” to the pilgrims. These dangers are inevitable and will continue to mount even if substantial measures are taken to curb the effects of climate change, the study explains. Further, as extreme conditions worsen, it lowers the tolerance of the heat-stressed pilgrims in crowds, leading to deadly confrontations and incidents. In 1990, a stampede killed nearly 1,500 people, while another led to the death of nearly a thousand people in 2015. According to MIT study author Elfatih Eltahir, these incidents coincided with peaks in temperature and humidity in the region. “If you have crowding in a location,” notes Eltahir, “the harsher the weather conditions are, the more likely it is that crowding would lead to incidents.” Hajj will continue to take place in the hottest summer months of Saudi Arabia from 2047 to 2052, and again from 2079 to 2086. Additionally, it is notable that a large number of the Hajj pilgrims constitute the elderly with ageing-related health conditions. For instance, about 40% of the thousands of Indonesians attending Hajj in 2023 were older devotees, according to the WHO. Health risks such as fatigue, dehydration, and infectious diseases such as COVID-19 and MERS-CoV have the capacity to cause more damage to such attendees. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="What is being done to protect pilgrims during Hajj?" comment="subhead" text="What is being done to protect pilgrims during Hajj?">What is being done to protect pilgrims during Hajj?</cmsannotation> The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has already invested billions in constructing infrastructure such as air-conditioned tents for pilgrims who are able to avail these services. Further, numerous hospitals and clinics are set up in and around Mecca, with emergency response teams on standby to provide immediate medical attention. The availability of clean drinking water at various points prevents dehydration, and ample sanitation facilities help maintain hygiene and prevent the spread of diseases. To manage any agitations, Saudi authorities schedule and stagger the times for different rites to avoid overcrowding. Significant infrastructure improvements, such as the expansion of the Jamarat Bridge and the Masjid al-Haram, have enhanced crowd flow. Clear signage, barriers, and guides help direct the movement of pilgrims, preventing bottlenecks and ensuring smooth transitions between different rites.

Heatwaves in Hajj: Here’s all about the devastating episode that killed nearly 1000 pilgrims in Saudi Arabia

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) in India on May 7, campaigning politicians, local news announcers and voters waiting in long lines passed out from the oppressive heat. From as far north as Japan to as far south as the Philippines, the relentless heat wreaked havoc on everyday life. Students and teachers in Cambodia were sent home from school, as their hand-held fans provided little protection against the stifling heat and humidity in their poorly ventilated classrooms. Farmers in Thailand saw their crops wither and mourned the loss of livestock that perished under the punishing sun. Hundreds of people died from the heat. Most of the planet has suffered the dire effects of <keyword id="20563038" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="extreme-heat" source="keywords">extreme heat</keyword> in recent years. A weekslong heat wave in the southwestern United States in 2023 was described as "hell on earth" in Phoenix, where temperatures hit 110 F (43.3 C) or higher for 31 straight days. At the same time, Europe saw unprecedented high temperatures that killed hundreds and contributed to devastating wildfires in Greece. Regardless of where or when a heat wave strikes, one pattern is a constant: Older adults are the most likely to die from extreme heat, and this crisis will worsen in the coming years. We study <keyword id="19907392" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="climate-change" source="keywords">climate change</keyword> and population aging. Our research documents two global trends that together portend a dire future. More older adults will be at risk of heat stress First, temperatures are hotter than ever. The nine-year period from 2015 and 2023 had the highest average temperatures since global records began in 1880. Second, the population is aging worldwide. By 2050, the number of people ages 60 and older will double to nearly 2.1 billion, making up 21 per cent of the <keyword id="21055680" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="global-population" source="keywords">global population</keyword>. That proportion is 13 per cent today. These combined forces mean that ever-rising numbers of vulnerable older adults will be exposed to intensifying heat. To understand the risks ahead, we developed population projections for different age groups and combined them with climate change scenarios for the coming decades. Our analyses show that by 2050, more than 23 per cent of the world population ages 69 and older will be living in regions where peak temperatures routinely surpass 99.5 degrees F (37.5 degrees C), compared with just 14 per cent today. That means that as many as 250 million additional older adults will be exposed to dangerously high temperatures. Mapping the data shows that most of these older adults live in lower- and middle-income countries with insufficient services and limited access to electricity, cooling appliances and safe water. In historically cooler regions in the Global North, including North America and Europe, <keyword id="20707229" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="rising-temperatures" source="keywords">rising temperatures</keyword> will be the main force driving older adults' heat exposure. In historically hotter regions in the Global South such as Asia, Africa and South America, population growth and increases in longevity mean that steeply rising numbers of older adults will be exposed to intensifying heat-related risks. Policymakers, communities, families and older residents themselves need to understand these risks and be prepared because of older adults' special vulnerabilities to heat. Extreme heat is especially harmful to older adults High temperatures are oppressive for everyone, but for older adults they can be deadly. Extreme heat worsens common age-related health conditions such as heart, lung and kidney disease and can cause delirium. Older people don't sweat as much as younger people, which makes it harder for their bodies to cool down when temperatures spike. These problems are intensified by common prescription medications, such as anticholinergics, which further reduce the capacity to sweat. Spending time outdoors in hot humid weather can cause dehydration, a problem worsened by the side effects of prescription medications such as diuretics and beta-blockers. Dehydration can make older adults weak and dizzy, increasing their risk of falls and injury. These threats are even worse in regions lacking access to safe and affordable drinking water. Poor air quality makes it difficult to breath, especially for those who already have lung problems such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD. For older adults with physical health problems, temperatures as low as 80 F (26.7 C) can pose significant danger. And when humidity is as high as 90 per cent, even 78 F (25.6 C) can be hazardous to older adults. Nighttime heat is especially harmful for older adults whose homes lack air conditioning or who can't afford to run their air conditioners for long periods. The ideal temperature for older adults' restful sleep is between 68 and 77 F (20 and 25 C), and sleep quality diminishes as temperatures rise. A night of restless sleep can make an older adult more depressed and confused during their waking hours. Medications also can lose their effectiveness if stored in places much warmer than 77 F (25 C). Older adults also may suffer emotionally during stifling <keyword id="20472420" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="heat-waves" source="keywords">heat waves</keyword> Being stuck indoors when temperatures are unbearable can make older adults bored, depressed and isolated. People with cognitive impairments may underestimate the dangers of extreme heat or may not understand the heat advisories. Those who have physical mobility limitations or lack access to transportation can't easily travel to public cooling centers - if there is one nearby - or find relief in nearby "green and blue areas," such as parks and lakes. These threats are especially dire in low- and middle-income nations, where older adults are more likely to live in substandard housing and lack access to high-quality health care or ways to cool down in the heat. We talk about this as "systemic cooling poverty." What can be done? Policymakers can work to cut greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels in vehicles, power plants and factories, which drive global warming, and develop effective plans to protect older people from heat risk. Older adults and their caregivers also can take steps to adapt. But efforts to help need to be tailored to each region and population. Wealthy municipalities can increase public investments in early warning systems and ride services to cooling centers and hospitals. They can use geographic information systems to identify neighborhoods with high concentrations of older adults and expand power grids to manage increasing demand for air conditioning. In regions with substandard housing, limited access to clean water and few public supports such as cooling centers, much larger changes are necessary. Providing better health care, water and housing and reducing air pollution that can mitigate health problems during heat waves require significant changes and investments many countries struggle to afford. The World Health Organization and Pan American Health Organization warn that this decade will be critical for preparing communities to handle rising heat and the risk to aging populations. Across all regions, researchers, practitioners and policymakers could save lives by heeding their call. 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Heat waves can be deadly for older adults: An aging global population and rising temperatures mean millions are at risk

<keyword id="19895063" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="india" source="keywords">India</keyword> and other <keyword id="21404749" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="tropical-nations" source="keywords">tropical nations</keyword> are bracing for exceptionally <keyword id="21334318" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="high-temperatures" source="keywords">high temperatures</keyword> and <keyword id="21404748" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="humidity-levels" source="keywords">humidity levels</keyword>, as indicated by a recent study. This study, which analysed heat and humidity extremes spanning 45 years, warns of a 70% likelihood of unprecedented <keyword id="21052325" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="heatwaves" source="keywords">heatwaves</keyword> and humidity levels in tropical regions, including India. The concerning forecast is attributed to the interaction between <keyword id="21194763" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="El-Nio" source="keywords">El Niño</keyword> and global warming. El Niño, characterised by warmer-than-average sea temperatures in the Pacific, influences weather patterns worldwide. During these events, heat and moisture are injected into the upper atmosphere, elevating temperatures and humidity in tropical areas like India. The study suggests that the peak of these upper-level temperatures typically occurs five months after the El Niño peak. The recent occurrence of a Super El Niño in December 2023 has already impacted winter and forthcoming summer seasons, but its full effect is anticipated in the upcoming summer months. The projected rise in <keyword id="21404750" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="wet-bulb-temperatures" source="keywords">wet bulb temperatures</keyword> to 26.2°C carries a 68% chance of breaking existing records. Wet bulb temperature, factoring in heat and humidity alongside evaporation's cooling effect, is crucial in gauging human discomfort and assessing heat-related risks. Tropical regions with wet bulb temperatures exceeding 30°C can pose severe health risks, particularly to vulnerable groups. Northern India, known for its humid heat stress, faces a 50% likelihood of record-breaking heat and humidity this summer. Similarly, the Sahel region in Africa also faces heightened risks, with a 35% chance of record humid heat. While natural occurrences like volcanic eruptions or shifts to cooler La Niña conditions may influence predictions, the study underscores the importance of long-term planning to mitigate the impacts of <keyword id="21404751" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="extreme-heat-events" source="keywords">extreme heat events</keyword> aggravated by <keyword id="19907392" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="climate-change" source="keywords">climate change</keyword> and El Niño. Proactive measures such as enhancing <keyword id="21404752" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="heatwave-early-warning-systems" source="keywords">heatwave early warning systems</keyword>, upgrading infrastructure, and implementing public health initiatives are vital for bolstering resilience in the face of climate-related challenges. The findings of this research have been published in Geophysical Research Letters and can be accessed <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1029/2023GL106990" data-type="tilCustomLink">here</a>.

New study forecasts high chance of record-breaking heat and humidity in India in the coming months

Cities in the Global South are equipped with only about 70% of the "<keyword id="23012235" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="cooling-capacity" source="keywords">cooling capacity</keyword>" provided by <keyword id="22415441" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="urban-greenery" source="keywords">urban greenery</keyword> in cities in the Global North and are, therefore, more vulnerable to extreme heat, new research has found. As the planet warms, researchers said that rising temperatures, along with '<keyword id="21394968" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="urban-heat-island" source="keywords">urban heat island</keyword>' effects, make cities hotter than rural areas. As a result, <keyword id="21187686" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="heat-related-illness" source="keywords">heat-related illness</keyword> and deaths in these areas are becoming more common. An international team, including researchers from the University of Exeter, UK, analysed satellite data on 500 of the world's largest cities to assess 'cooling capacity' -- how much do the urban green spaces cool down a city's <keyword id="21031051" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="surface-temperatures" source="keywords">surface temperatures</keyword>? "Our analysis suggests green spaces can cool the surface temperature in the average city by about 3 degrees Celsius during warm seasons -- a vital difference during extreme heat," author Timothy M. Lenton, from the University of Exeter, said. "However, a concerning disparity is evident; on average <keyword id="23012236" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Global-South-cities" source="keywords">Global South cities</keyword> have only two-thirds the cooling capacity and cooling benefit compared to Global North cities," the authors wrote in the study published in the journal Nature Communications. The disparity stems from differences in both quantity and quality of urban <keyword id="20897701" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="green-infrastructure" source="keywords">green infrastructure</keyword> among cities, they said. The researchers said that tropical and sub-tropical cities, which are located closer to the equator, tend to have relatively weaker cooling capacities. "As Global South countries are predominantly located at low latitudes, this pattern leads to a situation in which Global South cities, which tend to be hotter and relatively lower-income, have, on average, approximately two-thirds the cooling capacity of the Global North cities," the authors wrote. Therefore, they said that the cities that most need to rely on green infrastructure are, at present, those that are least able to do so. Urban green spaces bring a cooling effect by providing shade and causing evaporation of water, the authors explained. Over 50 Indian cities too were analysed, including Delhi, Pune and Chennai. Previous studies have estimated current climate policies to leave more than a fifth of humanity exposed to dangerously hot temperatures by 2100, with the largest at-risk populations in India and Nigeria, the researchers said. "Currently, the people dying due to <keyword id="19907392" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="climate-change" source="keywords">climate change</keyword> are often in the slums of cities in the Global South, such as the hottest parts of India," Lenton said. The researchers also found that there is "vast potential" to enhance urban cooling in the Global South and reduce inequality. Mogadishu, a Somalian city, was found to have the lowest cooling capacity, followed by Sana'a in Yemen and Rosario in Argentina.

Global South cities have only 70% of the 'cooling capacity' as that in the Global North one, notes recent study

<keyword id="20025308" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="groundwater" source="keywords">Groundwater</keyword>, the Earth's largest source of unfrozen freshwater, is under threat. As our planet heats up, so too does the water hidden beneath our feet. Researchers at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology predict that by 2100, <keyword id="22348281" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="groundwater-temperatures" source="Orion">groundwater temperatures</keyword> could rise significantly, exceeding safe <keyword id="19905383" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="drinking-water" source="keywords">drinking water</keyword> standards in many regions. The culprit? <keyword id="20649149" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="greenhouse-gases" source="keywords">Greenhouse gases</keyword>. Their build-up in the atmosphere traps heat, warming not just the air but also the ground and the water it holds. The study used two climate scenarios, one moderate and one extreme, to estimate the impact. In both cases, the results were concerning. Under the more moderate scenario, groundwater temperatures are projected to rise by 2.1°C by 2100. This may not seem like much, but it's enough to push millions over the edge. Currently, around 30 million people already live in areas where groundwater exceeds safe drinking limits. With rising temperatures, this number could balloon to 77 to 188 million by 2100. Extreme scenarios paint an even bleaker picture. Here, groundwater temperatures could soar by 3.5°C, potentially impacting a staggering 59 to 588 million people. The vast range reflects regional variations in <keyword id="19907392" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="climate-change" source="keywords">climate change</keyword> and population growth. The consequences of this hidden warming are far-reaching. Warmer groundwater can harbour harmful substances like arsenic and manganese, threatening human health. It can also disrupt delicate ecosystems and even impact geothermal energy potential. Fish, particularly those that rely on cool groundwater for spawning, could face reproductive issues. This isn't just an environmental concern; it's a public health crisis in the making. We need to act now to protect our precious groundwater resources. Sustainable practices, coupled with efforts to combat climate change, are crucial to ensure a future where clean drinking water remains a right, not a privilege. The findings of this study have been detailed in Nature Geoscience and can be accessed <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41561-024-01453-x">here</a>.

Groundwater temperatures could rise several notches by 2100, making it too hot to drink for millions!

With millions of people across five continents experiencing scorching heat last month, the European Union's (EU) climate agency, Copernicus <keyword id="19907392" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="climate-change" source="keywords">Climate Change</keyword> Service (C3S), confirmed on Monday that June was the warmest on record. It also marked the 12th consecutive month of <keyword id="20524196" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="global-temperatures" source="keywords">global temperatures</keyword> reaching <keyword id="22325521" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="1-5-degrees-Celsius" source="keywords">1.5 degrees Celsius</keyword> above the pre-industrial average. According to scientists at C3S, every month since June last year has been the warmest such month on record. In January, the world completed an entire year with the mean surface air temperature exceeding the 1.5-degree Celsius threshold. June was the 12th consecutive month with monthly average temperatures above the 1850-1900 pre-industrial average. At the 2015 UN climate talks in Paris, world leaders committed to limiting the global average temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius above the pre-industrial period to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. However, a permanent breach of the 1.5-degree Celsius limit specified in the <keyword id="20104670" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Paris-Agreement" source="keywords">Paris Agreement</keyword> refers to long-term warming over a 20 or 30-year period. Earth's global surface temperature has already increased by around 1.2 degrees Celsius compared to the average in 1850-1900 due to the rapidly-increasing concentration of <keyword id="20649149" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="greenhouse-gases" source="keywords">greenhouse gases</keyword> -- primarily carbon dioxide and methane -- in the atmosphere. This warming is considered to be the reason behind record droughts, wildfires and floods worldwide. According to new data, June 2024 was the warmest on record, with an average surface air temperature of 16.66 degrees Celsius, 0.67 degrees Celsius above the 1991-2020 average for the month and 0.14 degrees Celsius above the previous high set in June 2023. "The month was 1.5 degrees Celsius above the estimated June average for 1850-1900, the designated pre-industrial reference period, making it the 12th consecutive month to reach or break the 1.5-degree threshold," C3S said in a statement. It was also the 13th consecutive month of <keyword id="21477127" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="record-high-temperatures" source="keywords">record-high temperatures</keyword>, a result of the combined effect of the 2023-24 El Nino event and human-caused climate change. While unusual, a similar streak of monthly global temperature records happened previously in 2015-16. "This is more than a statistical oddity and highlights a large and continuing shift in our climate. Even if this specific streak of extremes ends at some point, we are bound to see new records being broken as the climate continues to warm. This is inevitable, unless we stop adding greenhouse gases into the atmosphere and the oceans," said Carlo Buontempo, the director of C3S. The European climate agency said the global average temperature for the last 12 months (July 2023-June 2024) is the highest on record, at 0.76 degrees Celsius above the 1991-2020 average and 1.64 degrees Celsius above the 1850-1900 pre-industrial average. The world's sea surface in June was also the highest ever recorded for the month. Several countries experienced record-breaking heat and devastating floods and storms in June. According to an analysis by Climate Central, an independent group of scientists and communicators based in the United States, more than 60 per cent of the world population faced extreme heat that was made at least three times more likely by climate change during June 16-24. Climate Central said the blistering heat in June impacted 619 million (61.9 crore) people in India, 579 million (57.9 crore) in China, 231 million (23.1 crore) in Indonesia, 206 million (20.6 crore) in Nigeria, 176 million (17.6 crore) in Brazil, 171 million (17.1 crore) in Bangladesh, 165 million (16.5 crore) in the US, 152 million (15.2 crore) in Europe, 123 million (12.3 crore) in Mexico, 121 million (12.1 crore) in Ethiopia and 103 million (10.3 crore) in Egypt. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), northwest India recorded its warmest June since 1901. India, which experienced one of its hottest and longest heatwaves, recorded more than 40,000 suspected heatstroke cases and over 100 heat-related deaths. The intense heat overwhelmed the water supply system and power grids, with Delhi grappling with a severe water crisis. According to the IMD, 11 states recorded 20 to 38 heatwave days -- up to four times the usual number of such days -- during the April-to-June period. The mercury breached 50 degrees Celsius in parts of Rajasthan, with night temperatures hovering around 35 degrees Celsius in many places. Temperatures were most above average over eastern Canada, the western United States and Mexico, Brazil, northern Siberia, the Middle East, northern Africa, and western Antarctica. 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June warmest on record; every month since July 2023 breached 1.5 deg C threshold

The Moon isn’t necessarily the most practical piece of real estate. Not only are there no great schools or neighbourhoods around, you have to endure an onslaught of cancer-causing <keyword id="22427780" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="cosmic-radiation" source="keywords">cosmic radiation</keyword> basically all the time. However, scientists may have found a way around this, and it involves taking a step back to our primitive roots. In the Mare Tranquillitatis, the same ancient lava plain where <keyword id="21252416" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="neil-armstrong" source="keywords">Neil Armstrong</keyword> and Buzz Aldrin first set foot over half a century ago, researchers have identified a substantial underground cave accessible from the surface. This discovery could be a game-changer for establishing a <keyword id="22057502" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="lunar-base" source="keywords">lunar base</keyword>, providing a natural refuge from the <keyword id="22427781" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="moons-extreme-conditions" source="keywords">moon's extreme conditions</keyword>. <h2>A cosy interior</h2>Using radar data from <keyword id="19935155" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="NASA" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="NASA" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="NASA">NASA</keyword>’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO), scientists found that the deepest known pit on the moon leads to a vast cave, 45 metres wide and up to 80 metres long — an area equivalent to 14 tennis courts. Situated about 150 metres below the surface, this cave is likely an empty <keyword id="21530002" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="lava-tube" source="keywords">lava tube</keyword>, a remnant of the moon’s volcanic past. These lava tubes could serve as ideal habitats, offering protection from cosmic rays, solar radiation, and micrometeorites. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111684049" title="The next generation of customised space suits may be moulded around astronauts’ genitalia to filter water from urine!" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>Lunar orbiters had first spotted pits more than a decade ago, many of which are believed to be “skylights” leading to these subterranean lava tubes. These caves offer a stable temperature environment and natural shielding, making them prime candidates for human bases or emergency shelters on the moon. “The main advantage of caves is that they make available the main structural parts of a possible human base without requiring complex construction activities,” explained study author Leonardo Carrer. However, assessing the structural stability of these caves and reinforcing their walls and ceilings will be crucial. Monitoring systems for seismic activity and designated safe areas for astronauts will be essential for ensuring safety. <h2>200 lunar base opportunities!</h2>The cave in Mare Tranquillitatis, surrounded by vertical or overhanging walls and leading to a sloping floor, has piqued researchers’ interest. It may hold clues to the moon’s formation and volcanic history, with potential deposits of <keyword id="22427782" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="water-ice" source="keywords">water ice</keyword> essential for long-term <keyword id="20424859" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="lunar-missions" source="keywords">lunar missions</keyword> and colonisation. At least 200 pits have been identified on the moon, many of which could open into these vast underground networks. Accessing these caves is another challenge, however. Considering that these pits are at least a 100 metres deep, there is a very real chance of loose debris posing risks of avalanches. Despite these challenges, the potential for these caves to support human life on the moon is immense. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111730212" title="Bengaluru-based Pixxel Space plans to mine asteroids for building settlements in space" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>As space agencies prepare for humans to return to the moon, the exploration and potential habitation of these lunar caves represent a significant step forward. The moon’s once-perilous conditions are now seen through a new lens— one that envisions a future where lunar real estate becomes not just a possibility, but a reality. The findings of this research have been published in Nature Astronomy and can be accessed <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41550-024-02302-y">here</a>.

Newly discovered Moon caves could shelter astronauts as they set up lunar bases!

As the fast-approaching southwest monsoon gradually drowns out the summer, it will also help ease and then erase the memories of a brutal season past. Even then, an unease is expected to continue lingering in the minds of most Indians: something just wasn’t right this year. Studies have already shown time and again that deadly heat is becoming a frequent phenomenon in India. With temperatures expected to touch a scorching 54°C, extreme conditions are rendering an increasing number of places unliveable. This includes India’s highly developed metro cities, which are dealing with their own set of unique heat troubles. Delhi-based think tank Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has shed light on an alarming trend: not only are <keyword id="21052325" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="heatwaves" source="keywords">heatwaves</keyword> are becoming deadlier in India’s major cities, temperatures aren’t dropping enough to provide sufficient respite at night either. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Deadlier heatwaves" comment="subhead" text="Deadlier heatwaves">Deadlier heatwaves</cmsannotation> Spanning over 23 years from January 2001 to April 2024, the study meticulously analysed data from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Chennai, and <keyword id="6354321" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="bengaluru" source="Orion">Bengaluru</keyword>. While their air temperatures haven’t witnessed a dramatic rise during the specified period, these areas have continued to witness an increase in their relative <keyword id="20237161" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="humidity" source="keywords">humidity</keyword>. The researchers think that this may also be heightening the <keyword id="21177615" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="heat-stress" source="keywords">heat stress</keyword> — a measure combining air and land temperatures along with relative humidity — and intensifying the discomfort and <keyword id="19977451" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="health-risks" source="keywords">health risks</keyword> for the city’s inhabitants. Another of the main culprits behind the discomfort in Indian metros may be due to the way <keyword id="21384366" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="urban-sprawl" source="keywords">urban sprawl</keyword> has spread massively in the past few years. The CSE study found that the rapid expansion of urban areas has led to a significant reduction in <keyword id="20113356" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="green-cover" source="keywords">green cover</keyword>, coupled with a surge in concrete surfaces. In cities like Chennai, green spaces have dwindled by nearly 14% over the past two decades, while concrete infrastructure has doubled. Even Bengaluru, a city earlier famed for its abundance of garden-like spaces, has only 7% green cover left, an earlier IISc study had found. This transformation contributes to the "<keyword id="21843173" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="urban-heat-island-effect" source="keywords">urban heat island effect</keyword>," where concrete-trapped heat is making urban regions notably warmer than their rural counterparts. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Minimums on the rise" comment="subhead" text="Minimums on the rise">Minimums on the rise</cmsannotation> However, what’s particularly concerning is the decline in nighttime cooling. Historically, cities would cool down considerably at night, providing much-needed relief from the daytime heat. However, the study reveals that this cooling effect has substantially decreased, exposing residents to prolonged periods of high temperatures without respite. The continuous exposure to heat, compounded by high humidity, exacerbates health risks, making heat stress and related illnesses more prevalent and potentially deadly at lower temperatures. The health implications are dire. The study observed an increase in the number of days with a heat index — what the weather “feels like” — surpassing 41°C in cities such as Kolkata and Chennai. Furthermore, the monsoon season, once a period of relief, now brings hotter and more humid conditions in some cities compared to the pre-monsoon months. As most might know, high humidity undermines the body’s ability to cool itself through sweating, increasing the risk of heat stress and related illnesses In response to these findings, CSE Executive Director Anumita Roychowdhury highlighted the necessity for in-depth assessments of heat trends, relative humidity, land surface temperatures, and diurnal temperature variations. These assessments are crucial for developing effective heat management plans that extend beyond emergency responses to encompass long-term strategies, such as expanding green spaces, enhancing water bodies, and improving thermal comfort in buildings. The study also called for reversing detrimental land use patterns and implementing scientifically grounded measures to monitor and mitigate urban heat stress. The time for action is now, as the repercussions of inaction could be devastating for millions residing in India's rapidly growing urban centers. The CSE report can be found <a href="https://www.cseindia.org/content/downloadreports/12191" data-type="tilCustomLink">here</a>.

You Searched For "extreme temperature" and got 10 results

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Groundwater temperatures could rise several notches by 2100, making it too hot to drink for millions!

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June warmest on record; every month since July 2023 breached 1.5 deg C threshold

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Newly discovered Moon caves could shelter astronauts as they set up lunar bases!

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