Author: OMN AI

A wildlife charity has warned that artificial spider webs used during Halloween can endanger local animals. Surrey Wildlife Trust said plastic cobwebs placed on trees, fences, and hedges can trap hedgehogs, birds, and insects. The group explained that the fine plastic strands often used in these decorations do not biodegrade and can cause lasting environmental harm. “We don’t want to be killjoys, but keep your plastic webs inside,” said Oliver Fry from the charity during an interview with BBC Radio Surrey. Fry urged people to reduce plastic use and consider alternatives. “Go easy on the plastics and use other stuff…

New research shows steep declines in the vitality of animal life across the continent. A major scientific analysis has revealed that the flow of energy through Africa’s birds and mammals — a key indicator of how effectively animals keep ecosystems running — has dropped to roughly two-thirds of what it once was. The study estimates that only about 64 percent of the natural energy that circulated through the continent’s wildlife around 1700 remains today, representing a loss of nearly one-third of Africa’s ecological strength. Human Pressures and Vanishing Large Animals Researchers found that the steepest reductions were tied to the…

The Federal Reserve has lowered its benchmark interest rate to a range of 3.75 to 4.00 percent. The move aims to reduce borrowing costs and encourage investment in businesses and the broader economy. Lower interest rates make loans more affordable for companies and consumers. Experts say this can boost spending, expansion projects, and overall economic activity. The rate cut reflects the Fed’s efforts to support sustained growth amid evolving economic conditions. Analysts believe that businesses may now find it easier to invest in new projects and hire additional staff. Financial markets responded positively to the announcement. Stocks in sectors that…

Authorities in India’s capital Delhi carried out a cloud-seeding trial on Tuesday to fight the city’s worsening air pollution. The experiment, meant to trigger rain and wash away toxic smog, did not achieve the desired results. A scientific effort to make rain Cloud seeding involves firing small particles, often silver iodide, into clouds to create rainfall. The technique has been used worldwide, though many experts question its long-term impact on pollution. A team from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur joined forces with the Delhi government to conduct the trial over several neighbourhoods blanketed in thick haze. But the…

A landmark global study has found that extreme heat is now killing one person every minute, with millions dying each year from the combined health impacts of the climate crisis and governments’ failure to act. The Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change, led by University College London and the World Health Organization, found heat-related deaths have surged by 23% since the 1990s, reaching an average of 546,000 deaths per year between 2012 and 2021. Researchers said nearly all these deaths are preventable. “Millions of people are dying needlessly because of our delay in cutting fossil fuels and adapting to…

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) confirmed that officials killed several wolves from the Beyem Seyo pack in Sierra Valley, north of Truckee. The “lethal removal” followed months of unsuccessful attempts to stop livestock killings in the region. CDFW Director Charlton H. Bonham said, “This decision was not made lightly nor easily. Despite extensive non-lethal efforts, these wolves continued to prey on livestock.” Bonham explained that the pack’s behavior made long-term wolf recovery across California and the western U.S. increasingly difficult. Officials removed a breeding pair, two adults, and one juvenile mistakenly identified as an adult. The agency…

Only 64 countries have submitted updated plans to cut carbon emissions, the UN reports. All nations must submit new pledges before next month’s COP30 summit in Belém, Brazil. Experts warn that these submissions are insufficient. Combined, the pledges will not prevent global warming from exceeding 1.5C, the threshold for extremely dangerous climate change. The UN’s review shows modest progress in curbing emissions over the next decade, but projected reductions fall far short of the levels needed to keep temperatures below this limit. The report highlights the scale of the challenge facing world leaders. Delegates will gather in northern Brazil next…

Celebrating the Season and the EnvironmentResidents of Rancho Cordova turned out for the city’s annual Fall Festival, an event that combined autumn festivities with a message about protecting the American River Parkway. The gathering, held close to River Bend Park, encouraged families, local organizations, and environmental advocates to come together in support of preserving the region’s signature greenway. Activities Inspire Environmental EngagementFestivalgoers enjoyed an afternoon of live performances, local food, and outdoor exhibits centered on the river’s natural habitat. Children and adults participated in craft stations, educational games, and guided walks highlighting native plants and wildlife. Conservation groups provided hands-on…

Alberta’s new program to manage problem wildlife has claimed its first grizzly bear. Officials confirmed that a licensed hunter shot the animal after it attacked livestock in southwest Alberta. The province did not release the date or exact location. The kill occurred under a provincial initiative launched last year that allows trained hunters to respond when grizzlies threaten humans or ranch animals. Alberta Forestry and Parks spokesperson Mike Plentis said in an email Tuesday, “Four grizzly responders have been deployed so far, with one bear removed.” Officials stated that in all four cases, grizzlies had killed livestock. The cull marks…

New climate pledges from more than 60 countries would cut global emissions by only 10% by 2035, about one-sixth of what’s needed to limit warming to 1.5C, a UN analysis shows. UN climate chief Simon Stiell said progress was too slow: “We have a serious need for more speed.” Major emitters China and the EU have yet to submit final plans, while the US target under Joe Biden may lapse if Donald Trump withdraws from the Paris agreement again. The report sets the stage for Cop30 in Belém, Brazil, next month, where leaders will face pressure to close the gap…