Latest news

Climate Threat Global Challenges
Study: Rainforests Now Contributing to Climate Crisis

Africa's rainforests have transformed from carbon sinks to greenhouse gas emitters, a new study shows according to The Guardian.

This means that all three main rainforest regions on the planet – the Amazon in South America, Southeast Asia and Africa – are now contributing to the climate crisis rather than mitigating it.

Human activity is the main reason. Farmers are increasingly clearing vegetation to grow food, while infrastructure projects and mining contribute to deforestation and the burning of fossil fuels.

Between 2010 and 2017, the African rainforest lost around 106 million tonnes of biomass a year, according to the study. The worst affected are the forests in Congo-Kinshasa, Madagascar and parts of West Africa.

Floods in Southeast Asia
Morgues overflow in Thailand after floods

At least 145 people have died in severe flooding in southern Thailand, most of them in Songkhla province, AFP reports.

– The morgue has exceeded its capacity, so we need more, says an official.

At least 80 people have died in Indonesia this week, the BBC reports. Thousands have been forced to flee their homes.

A woman from the affected region in northern Sumatra describes how there is a shortage of basic goods and that prices have risen significantly in the disaster.

The floods and landslides were triggered by Cyclone Senyar. In Sri Lanka, at least 56 people have been killed and many are missing after Cyclone Ditwah.

Shark Attacks in Australia
Deadly Shark Attack May Have Been Caught on Film

The Swiss tourist couple who were attacked by a bull shark in Australia on Thursday may have filmed the incident, Australian Nine News reports. According to the TV channel, they were filming dolphins with their Go Pro camera when the attack took place. Authorities will now review the footage.

A 25-year-old woman was killed in the attack. Her boyfriend is said to be in serious but stable condition.