The climate threat|Global challenges
Ancient Arctic viruses could lead to new pandemic
As the Arctic permafrost melts in line with global warming, there is a risk that ancient, previously frozen viruses will cause pandemics, warn scientists according to The Guardian.
These so-called "zombie viruses" have already been discovered by scientists. Therefore, a monitoring project has now been started in order to be able to identify potentially threatening microorganisms at an early stage and prevent them from spreading.
Which viruses are hidden in the permafrost is unknown, but there is a risk of, for example, an outbreak of an ancient variant of polio, says virologist Marion Koopmans.
- We have to assume that something like this can happen.
******************************
Situation of Muslims in India
Muslims worry when Indian giant temple is inaugurated
Indian Muslims are worried about violence ahead of the inauguration of the giant Hindu temple Ram Mandir on Monday, CNN reports.
The temple has been built over the ruins of what was once an important mosque and has been described as a nationalist monument.
The construction has been financed by Narendra Modi's Hindu nationalist government and is estimated to have cost several million dollars.
- The symbolic value of the temple is to put the Muslims in their place in the new India, says 65-year-old Muslim Maulana Badshah Khan to CNN.
Religious violence erupted in the city 30 years ago when Hindus attacked and destroyed the mosque that previously stood on the site.
******************************
Volcanic eruption in Java:Thousands evacuated
Thousands of people are being evacuated in Indonesia after the Merapi volcano on the island of Java erupted on Sunday, AP reports.
According to the news agency, lava has flowed two kilometers down the mountain's slopes, while a thick cloud of ash rises into the sky.
So far, no one has been seriously injured by the eruption.
**********************************
Norwegian cancels flights - Norwegian schools close
A major change in weather also affects Norway. Secondary schools in several Norwegian cities, including in Telemark and Akershus, are closed on Monday, writes VG.
Norwegian is also canceling several departures from Oslo on Monday, including to Sweden, according to Avinor. Press contact Silje Glorvigen tells Aftenposten that it is happening to "avoid more delays and canceled flights".
In Sweden, the cold is about to drop and in some places the temperatures can rise by 15 degrees in twelve hours. SMHI warns of difficult road conditions.
Inga kommentarer:
Skicka en kommentar