The East Antarctic ice sheet is a sleeping giant and the world is on track for massive sea level rises resulting from its melting due to the rising carbon dioxide levels.
As per a study this ice sheet becomes unstable and melts if carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere reach 600ppm - levels which may be reached by the end of the century if emissions reductions targets agreed in Paris are not met.
If the East Antarctic ice sheet completely melted, global sea level would rise about 60 metres.
Mar 05, 2016
Orangutan Population Up
According to a new survey, there are more Sumatran orangutans in the wild than previously thought.
The latest estimate puts the population at about 14,600, more than twice the previous figure, based on a survey.
As per ecologists the rise is not due to population growth but because some apes were missed in past surveys.
The species remains at serious threat from poaching and loss of forests.
Orangutans are the world\'s largest tree-climbing mammal - and Asia\'s only great ape.
Previously they were once found across South East Asia, but today are confined to two islands, Borneo and Sumatra.
Mar 03, 2016
World's Longest Distance Flyer
According to a new research, a dragonfly barely an inch and a half long appears to be animal world\'s most prolific long distance traveller, flying thousands of miles over oceans as it migrates from continent to continent.
Mar 01, 2016
World's Only Brown Panda
A rare panda, which is the world’s only completely brown giant panda, has survived minus 30 degree Celsius temperature this winter.
The Qinling giant panda is a subspecies of giant panda that was recognised in 2005.
The world’s first brown panda was discovered in 1985 in the Qinling Mountains. Since then, there have been eight brown pandas found, but Qi is the last remaining alive.
Feb 25, 2016
Ocean Acidification Slowing Coral Reef Growth
For the first time, scientists conducted an experiment on a natural coral reef which involved altering sea water chemistry to mimic the effect of excess carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
As per a study, acidification caused by global warming has slowed the growth of coral reef.
The results provided strong evidence that ocean acidification linked to greenhouse gas emissions is already slowing coral reef growth.
Carbon dioxide is absorbed by the ocean where it reacts with seawater to increase acidity.
Although previous studies have demonstrated large scale declines in coral reefs in recent decades, the reason for the trend has been harder to pinpoint.