Author: OMN AI

Africa’s forests have undergone a dramatic shift since 2010, moving from absorbing carbon to releasing it, according to a new scientific study. The change means all three of the world’s major rainforest regions — the Amazon, south-east Asia and now Africa — are contributing to climate breakdown rather than mitigating it. Researchers found African forests lost around 106 billion kilograms of biomass every year between 2010 and 2017, equivalent to the weight of 106 million cars. The most severe losses occurred in the tropical broadleaf forests of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Madagascar and parts of west Africa. Human activity…

Bird flu viruses worry scientists because they keep multiplying at fever temperatures. Fever usually slows viruses, yet new research from Cambridge and Glasgow shows that avian strains resist heat that disables human strains. A study published on November 28 in Science identifies a gene that strongly influences heat sensitivity. This gene jumped from bird flu strains to human strains during the 1957 and 1968 pandemics and helped those human strains spread. Seasonal flu infects millions each year and thrives in cooler upper airways at about 33°C. It spreads less effectively in warmer regions of the respiratory tract, where temperatures reach…

CITES expanded protections for over 70 shark and ray species, a move conservationists call a “historic win.” Delegates at the Uzbekistan meeting approved stricter trade limits for species from whale sharks to manta rays. Experts warn that overfishing and climate change increasingly threaten these species. Barbara Slee, senior programme manager at the International Fund for Animal Welfare, said, “Scientific data shows sharks need conservation, not exploitation.” Key Species Gain Stronger Safeguards CITES placed whale sharks, manta rays, and devil rays on Appendix I, banning most international trade. Countries had previously listed the critically endangered oceanic whitetip shark. Other species, including…

A group of tourists began the O Circuit trek despite worsening weather and no park rangers present. Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park, deep in icy Patagonia, welcomes 250,000 to 300,000 visitors annually. Thousands aim to complete the park’s iconic trekking routes. On 17 November, a sudden blizzard struck the O Circuit trail. Five trekkers died, and dozens became stranded in whiteout conditions for hours. Although the disaster arose from extreme weather, it revealed weaknesses in park safety and emergency management. The Blizzard and Its Impact Around 30 international trekkers left Los Perros campsite before dawn on 17 November, planning…

Reform Deal Ends Long StalemateAustralia prepares the biggest overhaul of its nature laws in decades as the government pushes major reforms with an independent environment regulator. The Labor government secured support from the Greens after talks with the opposition collapsed. The reforms add new protections for native forests, tighten land-clearing rules and restrict fast-tracking for coal and gas projects. Critics argue the plan still lacks ambition. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the laws will support nature and business while accelerating major projects linked to housing, renewable energy and critical minerals. With Greens backing, the package will likely clear the Senate…

Authorities in Maine have warned hunters not to eat wild turkeys and deer from parts of the state after high levels of PFAS “forever chemicals” were found in the animals’ meat. The advisory covers several areas north of Augusta, where soil contamination has led to dangerous chemical levels in wildlife. Officials say the substances are linked to cancer and other serious health risks. Similar “do not eat” warnings have recently been issued in other US states, including Michigan, Wisconsin and New Mexico, as PFAS contamination in wildlife becomes more widespread. Experts say the pollution could persist for decades unless the…

Almost 40,000 birds are now overwintering on Wallasea Island in Essex, a nature reserve created using millions of tonnes of soil excavated during the construction of London’s Elizabeth line. Around three million tonnes of earth were transported from London tunnel works to the island, where it was used to raise ground levels and help form wetlands. The RSPB bought Wallasea in the mid-2000s and began restoring it by breaching the sea wall in 2015, allowing tidal water to return for the first time in 400 years. Using the imported soil, the RSPB built islands, lagoons and salt marshes that now…

Record floods hit Thailand Parts of Thailand face record floods that have killed at least 33 people as authorities deploy military ships and helicopters to support relief efforts. The deluge has battered ten southern provinces for a week. Hat Yai, a key business hub near Malaysia, reports its heaviest rainfall in 300 years with 335 millimetres in one day. Photos show submerged streets and houses while desperate residents wait on rooftops for rescue. Neighbouring countries face rising devastation Relentless rain also strikes nearby nations. In Vietnam, the death toll climbs to 98 within a week. In Malaysia, more than 19,000…

Historic Gathering for Global Wildlife Protection Samarkand has become the first city in Central Asia to host a Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Delegations from nearly all 184 member countries have arrived in Uzbekistan for CoP20, a two-week summit focused on strengthening global rules that regulate wildlife trade and protect vulnerable species. Thousands of participants — including government ministers, conservation experts, NGOs and scientists — are attending sessions that will determine the future protection status of hundreds of plant and animal species. Key Agenda: Species Listings,…

Park Confirms Death of Long-Term Resident Paradise Park in Hayle, Cornwall has announced the death of Suri, one of its resident red pandas. The park said Suri, who had lived there since 2016 and was over ten years old, passed away recently. Staff described her as “cherished,” noting that she had become a familiar favourite among keepers and visitors alike. A Gentle Favourite Among Visitors According to the park’s statement, Suri was known for her shy but gentle nature, often surprising keepers by confidently engaging with guests during the popular Red Panda Experience. These encounters helped raise funds for the…