Summer 2023 Officially Becomes the Hottest On Record
Video Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories - Duration: 01:30s - Published
Summer 2023 Officially Becomes the Hottest On Record
Summer 2023 , Officially Becomes the , Hottest On Record.
'The Independent' reports that the summer of 2023
has officially been confirmed as the "hottest summer
on record" experienced by the northern hemisphere.
According to scientists, August was
about 2.7 degrees Fahrenheit hotter
than in pre-industrial times.
.
Scientists from the World Meteorological Organization
(WMO) said that August was the second-hottest
month ever, coming in just behind July of 2023.
.
'The Independent' reports that the record-setting
August came after a brutal summer that
shattered records across continents.
.
The dog days of summer are
not just barking, they are biting, Antonio Guterres, United Nations Secretary General, via 'The Independent'.
Climate breakdown has begun, Antonio Guterres, United Nations Secretary General, via 'The Independent'.
Both July and August come as warning signs that Earth
is rapidly approaching the threshold set by the 2015
Paris Agreement to minimize catastrophic warming.
According to the University of Maine’s
Climate Reanalyzer, September has continued
to set record highs for this time of year.
.
What we are observing, not only new
extremes but the persistence of these
record-breaking conditions, and the
impacts these have on both people
and planet, are a clear consequence
of the warming of the climate system, Carlo Buontempo, Copernicus Director, via 'The Independent'.
'The Independent' reports that several other records
have been broken in 2023, including the hottest-
ever temperature recorded in the world's oceans
An Indian UN worker lost his life in Gaza after a targeted attack on a UN vehicle in Rafah, marking the first international casualty in the Israel-Hamas conflict. The incident highlights the risks faced by humanitarian workers in conflict zones. UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the attack, emphasising the need to protect humanitarian workers. Indian UN representative Ruchira Kamboj condemned civilian casualties and emphasised adherence to international law. The attack follows the UN's backing of Palestinian membership bid, with 143 countries, including India, voting for recognition, prompting a call for reconsideration by the Security Council after a US veto last month.
#GazaWar #UNWorkerKilled #RafahAttack #UNVehicleAttack #UNSecurity #IsraelGazaWar #UN #DSSWorker #ConflictZone #HumanitarianSafety
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World Leaders Ask Israel , Not to Retaliate for Iranian Attack.
On April 13, Iran launched hundreds
of drones and missiles at Israel.
The attack came after two Iranian
generals were killed in "a suspected
Israeli strike in Syria" on April 1, AP reports. .
99% of Iran's drones and missiles were intercepted by Israel, according to a military spokesperson. .
World leaders are cautioning
Israel to show restraint and resist
retaliating against Iran, AP reports. .
Now is the time to be smart
as well as tough, to think
with head as well as heart, David Cameron, British foreign secretary, via statement.
We cannot afford another front
in the Middle East. There would only
be losers, in the region and beyond, Alexander Schallenberg, Austria’s foreign minister, via statement.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called Israel's ability to intercept Iran's attack "really impressive" and urged the country to "contribute to de-escalation.".
This is a success that perhaps also
should not be thrown away. Hence
also our advice to contribute to
de-escalation themselves, Olaf Scholz, German chancellor, via statement.
Kenya urges Israel to show utmost restraint
taking into account the urgent need for all
parties to walk away from the brink beyond
which recovery will be enormously difficult. , William Ruto, president of Kenya, via statement.
We have condemned, we have
intervened, we will do everything
to avoid an escalation, an inferno, Emmanuel Macron, president of France, via statement.
Now is the time to defuse
and de-escalate. Now is the
time for maximum restraint, António Guterres, U.N. secretary-general, via statement.
While on a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister
Benjamin Netanyahu, President Joe Biden
also condemned a retaliatory strike, saying,
"You got a win. Take the win," a senior official said. .
While on a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister
Benjamin Netanyahu, President Joe Biden
also condemned a retaliatory strike, saying,
"You got a win. Take the win," a senior official said.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Solar Power Breakthrough , Could Bring Clean Energy to, Heavy Manufacturing.
A new solar-powered device may have
reached a breakthrough, generating
temperatures over 1,000 degrees Celsius. .
The breakthrough was detailed in a study
published in the journal 'Device.'.
'The Independent' reports that the development
raises hopes that green energy could be used to
run some of the world's most fossil fuel-intensive
manufacturing processes. .
'The Independent' reports that the development
raises hopes that green energy could be used to
run some of the world's most fossil fuel-intensive
manufacturing processes. .
Using synthetic quartz crystals, the new
proof-of-concept device traps solar energies
at temperatures over 1,000 degrees Celsius. .
The breakthrough could bring clean energy
to carbon-intensive industries like cement,
chemical and metal manufacturing.
These manufacturing industries
alone account for almost a quarter of
the world's total energy consumption.
The new device reportedly relies upon a phenomenon
known as the thermal trap effect to harness the power
of the sun more efficiently than ever achieved before.
Previous research has only managed to
demonstrate the thermal trap effect up
to 170C. Our research showed that solar
thermal trapping works not just at low
temperatures, but well above 1,000C. , Emiliano Casati, Study co-author from ETH Zurich, via 'The Independent'.
This is crucial to show
its potential for real-world
industrial applications, Emiliano Casati, Study co-author from ETH Zurich, via 'The Independent'.
'The Independent' reports that researchers are looking
to optimize the thermal trap effect to find
new applications for the groundbreaking process.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Astronomers Witness , Merger of 2 Black Holes, From the 'Cosmic Dawn'.
'The Independent' reports that NASA's
Webb Space Telescope has made the most
distant detection of merging black holes. .
Two gigantic black holes and the galaxies that they stood
at the center of merged together just 740 million years
after the universe was formed in the Big Bang.
One of the black holes is a staggering 50 million
times larger than our Sun, and the other
is believed to be a similar gigantic size. .
Astronomers have long wondered how supermassive black holes are so big. .
Lead author Hannah Ubler of the University of Cambridge
says the findings suggest that mergers like this ancient
example show how black holes are able to grow so rapidly.
According to Ubler, the latest Webb
discovery also suggests that black holes
have been merging since the "cosmic dawn.".
Massive black holes
have been shaping
the evolution of galaxies
from the very beginning, Hannah Ubler, lead author from the University
of Cambridge, via 'The Independent'.
In 2021, NASA launched Webb, intended
to replace the Hubble Space Telescope.
Webb is the largest and most powerful
observatory ever launched into space. .
The joint U.S.-European project surveys
the universe from a vantage point located
about 1 million miles away from Earth.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Boeing Faces, Potential Criminal Charges , Following String of Incidents.
'The Independent' reports that federal officials have
issued a warning to Boeing regarding possible criminal charges due to the airliner's failure to improve safety. .
The government-issued warning comes after
a series of incidents, including two 737 Max
jet crashes within a five-month span. .
One crash occurred in Indonesia in
2018 and another took place in Ethiopia in 2019.
A total of 346 people were
killed in the two crashes.
Following those two crashes,
Boeing agreed to pay $2.5 billion and
make a number of safety improvements.
Feds now accuse Boeing of violating that deal and
claim the company could face further prosecution
following a series of incidents in recent months.
In January, an Alaska Airlines Boeing
737 MAX 9 had a door plug
blow off mid-flight. .
That incident resulted in the FAA
ordering all 171 MAX 9 jets be grounded
while the agency investigated the incident. .
For failing to fulfill completely the terms
of and obligations under the [deferred
prosecution agreement], Boeing is subject
to prosecution by the United States for
any federal criminal violation of which
the United States has knowledge, Department of Justice lawyers
letter to a federal judge, via 'The Independent'.
'The Independent' reports that a number of whistleblowers
have accused Boeing of cutting corners when it comes to
quality and expertise in exchange for short-term profit.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
5 Tips, for Beginner Cyclists .
1. Safety first.
Look for a helmet that is
lightweight and comfortable.
Safety features like MIPS, multi-directional impact protection system, help protect you from different types of impact. .
2. Be aware of the
traffic environment
and road conditions.
Find a cycling guide to brush up on
road safety awareness, basic road
positioning, observation and anticipation.
3. Download a cycling app. .
A cycling app
can help you
optimize your trip.
'The Independent' recommends Bike Hub
Journey Planner which offers spoken
instructions, multiple routes and a
number of other handy features. .
4. Basic maintenance
is essential.
Most importantly, check
the tire pressure, brake lines,
brake pads and oil the chain. .
A local bike service center
can always help you. .
5. Find a cycling club. .
Finding other experienced cyclists
to ride with is a great way to become
a more competent rider. .
It's time to
hit the road.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
McDonald's Posts , Disappointing Q1 Results , Amid Ongoing Boycotts.
'The Independent' reports that McDonald's posted weaker-
than-expected results in the first quarter of 2024, as a result
of a boycott over the company's perceived support for Israel. .
'The Independent' reports that McDonald's posted weaker-
than-expected results in the first quarter of 2024, as a result
of a boycott over the company's perceived support for Israel. .
According to McDonald's, higher sales in the
United States helped the fast-food giant overcome
weakness in markets where the brand is being boycotted.
According to McDonald's, higher sales in the
United States helped the fast-food giant overcome
weakness in markets where the brand is being boycotted.
The company saw same-store sales rise by
1.9% worldwide between January and March,
below the Wall Street forecast of 2.1%.
Increased menu pricing and delivery demand
saw same-store sales in the U.S. increase by 2.5%.
In international markets, sales fell
by 0.2% for the first time since 2020.
Despite this, McDonald's said the company's revenue
increased 5% to reach $6.17 billion, while net income went
up 7% to $1.93 billion, in-line with Wall Street estimates.
'The Independent' reports that Muslim-majority
markets like Indonesia, Malaysia and the Middle East
have been boycotting McDonald's for months.
The boycotts started after a McDonald's franchise in
Israel announced in October that it would provide free
meals for Israeli troops amid the ongoing war in Gaza.
In the months since then, the company has tried to limit
the fallout by taking over all 225 McDonald's in the country
with the purchase of Alyonal Limited, its Israeli franchise.
Our hearts remain with
the communities and families
impacted by the war in the Middle East.
We abhor violence of any kind and
firmly stand against hate speech,
and we will always proudly
open our doors to everyone, McDonald's statement, via 'The Indepndent'.
Our hearts remain with
the communities and families
impacted by the war in the Middle East.
We abhor violence of any kind and
firmly stand against hate speech,
and we will always proudly
open our doors to everyone, McDonald's statement, via 'The Indepndent'
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
UN Issues 'Red Alert' , Regarding Global Warming , After Record Heat in 2023.
Al Jazeera reports that the United Nations' weather
agency has sounded a "red alert" regarding global
warming, citing a number of different factors.
Those factors include record-breaking levels of
greenhouse gas emissions in 2023, as well as
record-high temperatures on both land and sea.
Those factors include record-breaking levels of
greenhouse gas emissions in 2023, as well as
record-high temperatures on both land and sea.
The U.N.'s World Meteorological Organization (WMO) warns there is a "high probability" that 2024 will continue to break high-temperature records. .
The same March 19 report warned
that the world's efforts to reverse
global warming have proven to be inadequate.
Never have we been so close –
albeit on a temporary basis at
the moment – to the 1.5C lower
limit of the Paris Agreement
on climate change. , Celeste Saulo, World Meteorological Organization
(WMO) secretary-general, via Al Jazeera.
The WMO community
is sounding the red
alert to the world, Celeste Saulo, World Meteorological Organization
(WMO) secretary-general, via Al Jazeera.
According to the European Union’s Copernicus Climate
Change Service, the world has already exceeded the
1.5 degree Celsius limit set by the Paris Agreement.
Earth’s issuing a distress call, Antonio Guterres, U.N. Secretary-General, via Al Jazeera.
The latest State of the Global
Climate report shows a planet
on the brink. Fossil fuel pollution is
sending climate chaos off the charts, Antonio Guterres, U.N. Secretary-General, via Al Jazeera.
Al Jazeera reports that the news comes as experts
and government representatives are set to meet in
Copenhagen to push for greater global climate actions. .
Al Jazeera reports that the news comes as experts
and government representatives are set to meet in
Copenhagen to push for greater global climate actions.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
New Study Supports Evidence , That Summer 2023 Was the , Hottest in Over 2 Millennia.
According to an analysis of tree rings going all the
way back to year one, 2023 was the hottest summer
in the Northern Hemisphere in over 2000 years. .
According to an analysis of tree rings going all the
way back to year one, 2023 was the hottest summer
in the Northern Hemisphere in over 2000 years. .
HuffPost reports that scientists analyzed over
10,000 tree rings to determine temperature
levels dating back two millennia.
The team from the University of Cambridge and the
Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz found that the
summer of 2023 was 2.2 degrees Celsius above average.
The temperature from June to August 2023 was
compared to average temperatures from the
same period between year one and 1890. .
When you look at the long sweep
of history, you can see just how
dramatic recent global warming is. , Ulf Büntgen, Cambridge Department of Geography, via HuffPost.
2023 was an exceptionally hot
year, and this trend will continue
unless we reduce greenhouse
gas emissions dramatically, Ulf Büntgen, Cambridge Department of Geography, via HuffPost.
HuffPost reports that 2023 saw global record-breaking
ocean temperatures, widespread wildfires
across the continent and scorching heat in cities.
It’s true that the climate is always
changing, but the warming in 2023,
caused by greenhouse gases, is additionally
amplified by El Niño conditions, so we end up
with longer and more severe heat waves
and extended periods of drought, Jan Esper, professor at the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz
and lead author of the paper, via HuffPost.
It’s true that the climate is always
changing, but the warming in 2023,
caused by greenhouse gases, is additionally
amplified by El Niño conditions, so we end up
with longer and more severe heat waves
and extended periods of drought, Jan Esper, professor at the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz
and lead author of the paper, via HuffPost.
When you look at the big picture,
it shows just how urgent it is
that we reduce greenhouse
gas emissions immediately, Jan Esper, professor at the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz
and lead author of the paper, via HuffPost.
When you look at the big picture,
it shows just how urgent it is
that we reduce greenhouse
gas emissions immediately, Jan Esper, professor at the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz
and lead author of the paper, via HuffPost.
The team's findings were
published in the journal 'Nature.'
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
Earth has been rocked by the first extreme geomagnetic storm in two decades, creating a spectacular light show in UK skies and other parts of the Northern.. Sky News
Upcoming , Lyrid Meteor Shower , May Be Hard to See.
'The Independent' reports that skywatchers
looking to catch the Lyrid meteor shower
may be foiled by the moon. .
This year's peak activity occurs
on April 21 and 22, with up to
20 meteors expected per hour. .
Potential viewing should
last through April 29. .
However, the American Meteor Society
warns that strong moonlight
may interfere with viewing. .
Every year, multiple meteor showers
occur and don't require special
equipment to see them. .
For the most part, meteor showers originate
from debris left behind by comets, like the Lyrids,
which come from the comet Thatcher. .
As these space rocks enter the Earth's atmosphere,
air resistance makes them extremely hot,
which causes the air around them to glow.
This glow leaves a fiery trail behind
the meteor, which can be observed
from the ground as a "shooting star.".
Look to the northeast and just
keep staring at the same spot
in the sky. It's always impressive
when you see these things, Don Pollacco, University of Warwick
astronomer, via 'The Independent'.
The Lyrids are best viewed from the Northern Hemisphere,
while the upcoming Eta Aquarids meteor shower
can best be seen from the Southern Hemisphere.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
'Devil Comet', May Join Solar Eclipse in , Rare Synchronized Celestial Event.
'Devil Comet', May Join Solar Eclipse in , Rare Synchronized Celestial Event.
NBC reports that a "devil comet" may
be visible during next month's highly
anticipated North American solar eclipse.
So-called "devil comets" are known for
occasional explosive outbursts, which give
the celestial objects their unique appearance.
Last year, an eruption on Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks
left it with two trails of gas and ice, which
give the appearance of devil horns. .
The unique comet is currently
visible in the early evenings from the
Northern Hemisphere on the west-northwest
horizon with the aid of binoculars or telescopes.
The comet is expected to brighten throughout the
month, until it becomes visible to the naked eye as it
reaches its closest point to the sun around mid-April.
NBC reports that the "devil comet" could be visible
during the upcoming April 8 total solar eclipse
if the comet flares significantly in the coming weeks. .
Those in the eclipse's path of totality,
from Texas to Maine, could be treated
to a rare synchronized celestial event. .
The comet was first observed by French
astronomer Jean-Louis Pons in 1812. .
In 1883, British-American astronomer
William Brooks became the second
to spot the rare celestial object.
NBC reports that Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks
orbit around the sun takes 71 years, making
sightings of the comet a truly rare occurrence.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
UN Warns Global , Wildlife Crime , Driving Global Extinctions.
'The Guardian' reports that over
4,000 species from around the world
are the targets of wildlife traffickers. .
According to a United Nations report,
this causes "untold harm upon nature.".
The report found that 40% of all
the animals targeted are on the red list
of threatened or nearly threatened species.
The UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) report
found that the trade, driven by demand for medicine,
pets and trophies, is active in over 80% of countries.
Despite gaps in knowledge
about the full extent of wildlife
trafficking and associated crime,
there is sufficient evidence to
conclude that this remains
a significant global problem
far from being resolved, UNODC report, via 'The Guardian'.
Despite gaps in knowledge
about the full extent of wildlife
trafficking and associated crime,
there is sufficient evidence to
conclude that this remains
a significant global problem
far from being resolved, UNODC report, via 'The Guardian'.
According to the report, the largest
number of individual seizures involved
corals, large reptiles and elephants.
According to the report, the largest
number of individual seizures involved
corals, large reptiles and elephants.
According to the report, the largest
number of individual seizures involved
corals, large reptiles and elephants.
Wildlife trade was found to be the driving
factor in both local and global extinctions,
including rare orchids, reptiles and fish.
Wildlife crime inflicts untold harm
upon nature, and it also jeopardizes
livelihoods, public health, good
governance and our planet’s
ability to fight climate change, Ghada Waly, Executive director of UNODC, via 'The Guardian'.
Researchers warn that wildlife crime is often
linked to organized crime, with corruption playing a critical role in impeding efforts to stop trafficking. .
'The Guardian' reports that this corruption can
take the form of bribes paid to inspectors and
government officials in exchange for fake permits.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Israel has told the United Nations' top court that South Africa's case against its military operation in Gaza "makes a mockery of the heinous charge of.. Sky News