Nature
Gaza's Desalination Pivot
by Futoshi Tachino The crucible Gaza is where climate vulnerability collides head‑on with political blockade. A joint World Water Day press release from the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics and the Palestinian Water Authority notes that 97 percent of water pumped from the Strip’s coastal aquifer fails World Health Organization standards—leaving most families to scrape by on as little as 3 to 15 litres a day (PCBS & PWA, 2024). When a July 2025 Israeli strike hit a queue of people filling jerrycans, Reuters described residents doubling back to brackish wells despite the risk of disease (Reuters, 2025). Layer the region’s projected heat on top of that. A 2021 study in npj Climate and Atmospheric Science warns that, without steep emissions cuts, parts of the Middle East and North Africa will face “super‑ and ultra‑extreme” heatwaves above 50 °C by late century (Zittis et al., 2021). With water scarce and temperatures soaring, Gaza’s humanitarian emergency easily mutates into a climate‑security tinderbox.
By Futoshi Tachino7 months ago in Earth
Where Mountains Touch the Sky: My Journey Through Northern Pakistan
Some places leave a mark on your passport. Northern Pakistan left a mark on my heart. From Burnout to Breathtaking: I was stuck in the same old routine, waking up, working, sleeping day in and day out. I felt bored, restless, and unsure of what I even needed anymore. Everything around me felt lifeless, like I was just drifting through the days. I wanted to get away for a while to leave behind the same streets, the same conversations, and the same worn-out routine. I craved fresh air, new faces, and a glimpse into a world I hadn’t yet known. I needed a different rhythm, a different energy something that would wake me up from the inside. So I set off toward the north, chasing change.
By Zia Ul Islam7 months ago in Earth
Elephants Never Forget
Elephants Never Forget: The Science Behind the Proverb The saying “elephants never forget” has long fascinated both scientists and storytellers. Rooted in folklore, this phrase implies that elephants possess exceptional memory, and as modern science reveals, there’s significant truth behind it. But what makes an elephant’s memory so special? Is it just a charming myth, or does it have deep neurological, evolutionary, and ecological backing?
By USAMA KHAN7 months ago in Earth
Italy’s Shifting Climate
Italy, my home away from home (or maybe just home, depending on the day!), is facing a big challenge. You know those super-hot summer days that just drain you? Well, it turns out they’re not just uncomfortable; they’re actually hitting our economy where it hurts and they are becoming more frequent. The extreme heat we’ve been experiencing isn’t just an environmental issue anymore; it’s a real economic force, and we need to talk about it. This week, Italy had over 20 cities with weather advisory (bollino rosso), due to its extreme high temperature.
By Andrea Zanon7 months ago in Earth
