Clouded Tiger Cat: A New Species Discovered in Brazil's Rainforests
In a remarkable discovery, scientists identified a new species of wild cat thriving in the dense rainforests of Brazil. Dubbed the 'clouded tiger cat' (Leopardus pardinoides), this feline marvel has captivated the hearts of animal enthusiasts and conservationists alike, sparking renewed efforts to safeguard the region's rich biodiversity.
Size: Approximately the same as a domestic housecat, the clouded tiger cat is a relatively small wildcat.
Its distinctive spotted coat allows it to seamlessly blend into its surroundings, a remarkable adaptation for survival.
The discovery of this new species serves as a poignant reminder that nature still holds countless wonders waiting to be unveiled, even in regions previously believed to be well-documented.
Europe is the Fastest-warming Continent, at Nearly Twice the Average Global Rate
Europe is the fastest-warming continent and its temperatures are rising at roughly twice the global average, two top climate monitoring organisations reported, warning of the consequences for human health, glacier melt and economic activity.
The UN's World Meteorological Organisation and the European Union's climate agency, Copernicus, said in a joint report that the continent has the opportunity to develop targeted strategies to speed up the transition to renewable resources like wind, solar and hydroelectric power in response to the effects of climate change.
The latest five-year averages show that temperatures in Europe are now running 2.3 degrees Celsius (4.1 Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial levels, compared to 1.3 degrees Celsius higher globally, the report says — just shy of the targets under the 2015 Paris climate accord to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
Apr 21, 2024
India, France to Launch Climate fund for Start-ups in Indo-Pacific Countries
India and France will launch a fund aimed to support start-ups and climate-centric innovations in the Indo-Pacific.
The agreement for the fund, along with the funding amount, was finalised, paving the way for potential projects to receive funding in the Western Indian Ocean region and the wider Indo-Pacific area.
Apr 20, 2024
Antarctic Ice Shelf Jumps Twice Daily
Researchers uncovered a surprising phenomenon in Antarctica: the massive Ross Ice Shelf, roughly the size of France, lurches forward several centimetres once or twice a day. This movement is triggered by the Whillans Ice Stream, a fast-flowing river of ice that occasionally gets stuck and then surges ahead.
The discovery highlights a previously unknown aspect of ice shelf dynamics and raises questions about the long-term stability of the Ross Ice Shelf in the face of climate change.
While the daily jumps aren't directly linked to human-caused warming, they could contribute to the weakening of the Ross Ice Shelf. Ice shelves act as barriers, slowing the flow of glaciers and ice streams into the ocean. If the Ross Ice Shelf weakens and breaks apart, it could accelerate ice melt rates and sea level rise.
Apr 16, 2024
MP Leads in Driving the Centre's Green Credit Programme
Madhya Pradesh took the lead in spearheading the Centre's Green Credit Programme (GCP), securing approval for over 500 land parcels dedicated to tree plantation across 10 states in the two-month period. These states have collectively identified a sprawling 10,000 hectares of land earmarked for this commendable initiative.
Notably, Madhya Pradesh boasts the highest count of approved degraded forest land for plantation and greening activities, amounting to 954 hectares. Following closely are states like Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, and Assam. Furthermore, Bihar, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Odisha also joined the fray with approved land parcels for the cause.
Various public sector entities have been enlisted to undertake plantation endeavours on degraded forest land, thereby accruing green credits. The GCP lays emphasis on nurturing ecosystem services, promoting non-carbon environmental endeavours for the betterment of local soil, water, and ecosystems.
Apr 15, 2024
IISc Scientists Develop Sustainable Hydrogel to Remove Microplastics from Water
Scientists at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have developed a sustainable hydrogel to remove microplastics from water, addressing the global issue of plastic pollution.
Microplastics, particles less than 5 millimetres in size, are pervasive in oceans, soil, and even the air we breathe, posing a threat to human health.
The hydrogel, made up of a unique polymer network, can bind and degrade microplastics using UV light irradiation.
The IISc hydrogel, composed of three polymer layers and nanoclusters of a material called copper substitute polyoxometalate, has shown high efficiency in removing polyvinyl chloride and polypropylene microplastics from water.
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