Science

China spent $13.8bn restoring wetlands now valued at $434bn

China spent $13.8bn restoring wetlands now valued at $434bn

China's coastal wetland restoration projects between 2000 and 2020 showed substantial economic gains. Investments of up to $13.8 billion generated ecosystem benefits valued as high as $434 billion. Mangrove restoration projects, in…

With fields destroyed and hives lost, Gaza's beekeepers struggle to start over

Dawn

With fields destroyed and hives lost, Gaza's beekeepers struggle to start over

Standing on the roof of a war-damaged building overlooking the ruins of Gaza City, beekeeper Ibrahim al-Dabba gently lifts a honeycomb frame as bees buzz around him. “Bees require trees, we are raising bees amongst rubble,” he says. For…

Dawn

Top US science journals more likely to reject paper by Chinese authors: study

Researchers based in China or having a Chinese surname were far less likely than their US and Canadian counterparts to have papers published in the world’s most prestigious journals, according to a new study. Just 2.5 per cent of…

Southern Europe is dealing with fewer blazes but ‘greater’ wildfire risk. Is there a solution?

Southern Europe is dealing with fewer blazes but ‘greater’ wildfire risk. Is there a solution?

A major new study warns that Portugal, Spain, France, Italy and Greece are experiencing more ‘fire-promoting’ weather.

Anguish as Valpaços wildfire storms out of control

Portugal Resident

Anguish as Valpaços wildfire storms out of control

Tearful and exhausted residents are being evacuated from villages in Valpaços and Mirandela as the now vast wildfire, driven by strengthening winds, continues to advance across northern Portugal. This is The post Anguish as Valpaços…

Portugal Resident

Crews called to rescue resident who defied evacuation order, B.C. Wildfire Service says

CBC

Crews called to rescue resident who defied evacuation order, B.C. Wildfire Service says

Wildfire officials in British Columbia are urging people to abide by evacuation orders, after they say crews were forced to rescue a resident who had stayed in a fire zone.

CBC

China gained 447,500 sq km of planted forest but lost vast natural cover

China gained 447,500 sq km of planted forest but lost vast natural cover

China's large-scale tree planting programmes helped increase overall forest cover over three decades, but a new study says they also coincided with growing fragmentation of natural forests. Researchers found plantations often expanded near…

US scientist Elsa Reichmanis defends global collaboration amid scrutiny of science exchange

American materials scientist Elsa Reichmanis, whose pioneering work helped lay part of the foundation for modern semiconductor manufacturing, said scientific collaboration should transcend rivalry after receiving one of China’s highest…

From Bengaluru to Raichur, Black Thrips sting Karnataka’s chilli belt

From Bengaluru to Raichur, Black Thrips sting Karnataka’s chilli belt

Black thrips are severely impacting Karnataka's chilli farmers, causing crop damage and increased costs. Scientists first detected this invasive pest in Bengaluru back in 2015. Surveys later revealed its rapid spread into major…

The 'fire-breathing dragon of clouds' over France: When a wildfire creates its own weather

The 'fire-breathing dragon of clouds' over France: When a wildfire creates its own weather

France has recorded its first known 'fire cloud' as extreme wildfires sweep across Europe. Also called a pyrocumulonimbus, the towering storm forms when intense heat pushes smoke, air and moisture high into the atmosphere. It can generate…

Drone footage captures massive Castellon wildfire in eastern Spain

Drone footage captures massive Castellon wildfire in eastern Spain

Wildfires continue to burn across Spain as crews battle blazes in Castellon and Zamora, with thousands evacuated and aircraft supporting firefighting efforts.

Parts of northern Hong Kong face highest climate disaster risk, study finds

Parts of northern Hong Kong face highest climate disaster risk, study finds

Parts of northern Hong Kong face the highest risk of climate-related disasters, a study by the Hong Kong Red Cross has found, with the charity urging the government to take climate resilience planning into account in developing the area. A…