Advocacy
Tears in the Flood: A Tale of Resilience
In the heart of the Mississippi Delta, where the river once flowed lazily, life had always been simple but sweet. The residents of Fairview, a tight-knit community that thrived on the fertile soil, shared stories on porch swings and laughter at church gatherings. But as the years passed, a new reality began to encroach upon their idyllic world.
By madalin andrei2 years ago in Earth
Morocco Earthquake . Content Warning.
In Morocco, the situation is dire. the ongoing search and rescue mission in Morocco following a devastating earthquake. Despite some hopeful scenes of aid workers arriving in small villages with provisions and shelter, the focus remains on finding survivors. Regrettably, the prospects of locating more survivors seem to be diminishing. Reports from Morocco indicate that the use of sniffer dogs has yielded few signs of life. Nevertheless, the search efforts persist. The earthquake in Morocco claimed the lives of 2,900 individuals and left hundreds of thousands homeless. Our correspondent, Tom Bitman from the BBC, is currently in the Atlas Mountains with UK Aid workers assisting in the search for survivors. In a recent interview, he described the desperate conditions faced by the earthquake survivors, who have been enduring their fifth night outdoors. The scarcity of proper shelter is a significant concern, as people rely on makeshift solutions such as blankets, tarps, pieces of wood, and tree branches for protection against the chilly nights in the high Atlas Mountains. This additional risk compounds the trauma already experienced by the survivors since last Friday's events.
By Fred Ferguson Antoine 2 years ago in Earth
Conservation Heroes
The world is a wondrous place, teeming with an astonishing variety of wildlife. From the depths of the oceans to the highest mountains, from the densest rainforests to the most arid deserts, our planet is home to countless species, each with a unique role in the intricate web of life. Yet, the very existence of these species is increasingly threatened by human activities. In the face of this challenge, there are individuals and organizations who have stepped up as true conservation heroes, dedicating their lives to the preservation of our planet's biodiversity.
By Bashiru Latifat2 years ago in Earth
Sinking Cities. Content Warning.
Sea levels are on the rise worldwide, putting several major cities at risk of being submerged. Global warming can be challenging to comprehend if you're not directly affected by rising sea levels, water shortages, or wildfires. It may all seem abstract. In this video, we will explore the top nine cities that could be underwater by 2030, with the most surprising ones at the top. Make sure to stay till the end. Let's start with number nine: Savannah, USA. Situated in a hurricane-prone area, the historic city of Savannah, Georgia, faces the threat of being engulfed by the sea from all sides. The Savannah River in the north and the Ogeechee River in the south could overflow into the nearby marshland during hurricanes and flash floods. By 2050, the city is projected to experience flood levels that historically occur once per century on an annual basis. The impact may be even more severe. Moving on to number eight: Georgetown, Guyana. For centuries, Georgetown, the capital of Guyana, has relied on a massive 280-mile-long seawall for protection against storms. This is because most of the country's coastline is between 0.5 and 1 meter below high tide. Around 90 percent of Guyana's population resides on the coast, making it crucial for Georgetown's central areas to enhance their seawall to prevent substantial damage. At 7, Bangkok, Thailand, a recent study conducted in 2020 revealed that Bangkok is at high risk of being severely affected by global warming in the near future. The capital city of Thailand is situated only 1.5 meters above sea level, and similar to Venice, it is experiencing sinking, but at a much faster rate of approximately two to three centimeters per year. Furthermore, Bangkok is built on dense clay soil, which further increases its vulnerability to flooding. By 2030, it is projected that a significant portion of the coastal areas, including Tarcam and Summer Prakan, could be submerged, along with the main airport, Suvarnabhumi International. Moving on to number 6, Kolkata, India, much of West Bengal has thrived for centuries due to its fertile landscape. However, as depicted in the map, this has now become a major cause for concern. Similar to Ho Chi Minh city, Kolkata and its surrounding areas could face challenges during the monsoon season, as there is limited land for rainwater runoff. The climate map from Climate Central shows that the eastern districts of Ho Chi Minh City, especially the flat and heavily built-up Marshland area of 2tm, are at the highest risk of flooding. Additionally, the city will face increasing threats along the Mekong Delta. While the central area of Ho Chi Minh City itself is not expected to be submerged by 2030, it will become more vulnerable to flooding and tropical storms. In the near future, Venice, Italy faces a dual threat of rising sea levels and sinking land. The city already experiences severe flooding, and climate change is likely to increase the frequency of high tides that submerge it. Similar to New Orleans, Venice has flood defense systems in place, but as the crisis worsens, maintaining these systems will become more challenging and costly. In New Orleans, USA, the map shows the city's levee system, indicated by the sharp, thick gray borders around the center. These levees serve as protective barriers against the growing red area from Lake Moreepas In the northern region and from Lake Salvador to little Lake in the southern region, New Orleans would face severe threats from rising sea levels if it weren't for the existing defenses. However, even with these defenses in place, the damage would still be catastrophic. On the map, both the Biloxi and Gene Lafitte Wildlife preserves appear to be highly vulnerable as they are almost completely submerged. In the foreign city of Basra, Iraq's main port city, it lies in the Chateau Arab, a massive and wide river that flows into the Persian Gulf. Due to its complex system of canals, streams, and neighboring marshland, Basra and its surrounding areas are particularly susceptible to rising sea levels. To make matters worse, Basra already suffers significantly from waterborne diseases, so increased flooding poses even greater threats. Lastly, in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, one can understand why they are referred to as the low countries. Both Amsterdam and the cities of Rotterdam and the Hague are located in low, flat areas.
By Fred Ferguson Antoine 2 years ago in Earth
Flooding in Libya. Content Warning.
Another devastating natural disaster has struck North Africa, following closely on the heels of the deadly earthquake in Morocco. Libya is now grappling with severe flooding that has destroyed entire villages and claimed the lives of thousands of people. Footage from the region reveals collapsed buildings, submerged cars, and torrents of water rushing through the streets. The Libyan National Army and health officials estimate that over 2,000 people have been killed and 5,000 to 6,000 are missing. However, due to the inaccessibility of many areas and the lack of communication, these numbers cannot be verified. The city of Derna has been particularly hard hit, with two bridges collapsed, three destroyed, and phone lines still down. The storm system dumped approximately eight months' worth of rain in just one day. Greece also experienced catastrophic flooding last week, which was captured in staggering pictures. According to the head of Libya's emergency and ambulance services, there was no warning for people to evacuate or prepare for the impending disaster. He acknowledged the lack of preparedness and failure to study weather conditions, sea level rise, and the potential impact of the storm. Many are questioning the role of negligence in this situation, as residents woke up in the middle of the night to find their homes flooded, some with water levels reaching up to three meters. The situation has left people desperate to find a way to escape, while search and rescue teams face challenges due to isolated areas and communication difficulties. Additionally, two burst dams in the city of Donna have further exacerbated the disaster, causing more flooding and destruction. Roads and houses are being washed away, and authorities report that there are still bodies lying around, making it difficult to determine the exact death toll, which currently stands at over 2,000, with an estimated 5,000 to 6,000 people missing. The United Nations, Turkey, UAE, and Qatar are providing assistance on the ground. Storm Daniel has wreaked havoc not only in Libya but also in Greece and Turkey in recent days, and it is now moving towards northern Egypt, where an additional 50 millimeters of rainfall is expected in the next two days. The severity of the flooding in Derna can be understood by considering that the city normally receives this amount of rainfall in September alone. The military has barely reached ten millimeters. These numbers are unprecedented. Search and rescue is crucial for reaching people in need. Communication lines such as phone, internet, and power are all down, making it extremely challenging to provide assistance. The pictures we are witnessing are truly shocking, and the devastation is widespread. Eleni, what additional measures can be taken to coordinate aid in this country? Libya has been in political turmoil for quite some time now. Is there a centralized system that allows communication between the east and west to determine the next steps? It's important to remember that the Libyan National Army controls the east, while the internationally recognized government controls the west. These factions have been competing for power for a long time, resulting in a clear communication disconnect. However, we do know that the west has declared three days of mourning in response to this tragedy. Clearly, this event is taking place in a country experiencing significant political unrest. However, it is crucial for the people to unite and strategize their next steps. The fact that there is already international cooperation is a positive development. Nevertheless, more efforts are required, Paula, as the search and rescue operations are still ongoing. The catastrophe is expected to persist for at least the next two days. Subsequently, the focus will shift to the cleanup process. However, it is important to consider the aftermath of this catastrophic situation, which resembles an apocalyptic scenario. Villages, including Derna and Benghazi, are being severely affected, with some completely submerged underwater. This situation is comparable to a major storm or hurricane striking the United States.
By Fred Ferguson Antoine 2 years ago in Earth
Thunderstorms and Lightning . Content Warning.
Possible Prevention of Thunderstoms and Lighting on Planet Eath. Thunderstorms and lightning are natural meteorological phenomena that occur on planet Earth, and preventing them entirely is not possible. However, there are certain measures that can help mitigate their impact and reduce the risk of damage or harm. Here are some strategies:
By Margret Sylvester2 years ago in Earth
Why Can't We Drink Seawater?
Introduction One color dominates our image of our planet when we look at it from the expanse of space: blue. It is understandable why Earth is frequently referred to as the "Blue Planet" given that water covers over 75 percent of its surface. Unbelievably, 96.5 percent of this water is confined in the oceans and is unfit for human consumption. Why then is ocean water salty and unsafe to drink? In this essay, we'll examine the intriguing causes of seawater's salinity and how they affect our attempts to quench our thirst with it.
By Darlington Sunday2 years ago in Earth
Guardians of the Horns
In the heart of the African savannah, where the golden grasses stretched out as far as the eye could see, lived the magnificent and endangered rhinoceros. These gentle giants, the second-largest land mammals on Earth after elephants, were a testament to the grandeur of nature.
By rachel ndlela2 years ago in Earth
The Inconvenient Truth You Need to Face Now: Climate Change Impacts Happening Faster Than Predicted
The Inconvenient Truth We Can No Longer Ignore For decades, scientists have been sounding the alarm about the grave impacts of unchecked climate change. Careful research revealed a disturbing future of rising seas, intensifying storms, worsening wildfires and drought if we failed to curb carbon emissions.
By Efosa Prince 2 years ago in Earth
“A Love Letter to Mother Earth
In a world dominated by concrete jungles and bustling cities, there lived a woman named Emily who felt a deep connection to the natural world. She often found herself longing for the serene embrace of the wilderness, a place where she could be free from the constant noise and distractions of urban life. To her, nature was not just a backdrop; it was a living, breathing entity that deserved her love and care.
By Donald Etim2 years ago in Earth
