Stories tagged “Environment.”
30 stories
Civil society groups in South Africa call for temporary halt to new data centres
South African civil society groups are urging a temporary halt to new data center construction, citing concerns over the transparent use of scarce water, land, and electricity resources.
At least 37 people died from toxic fumes during alleged petrol theft from a pipeline in Nigeria's Rivers State, according to an environmental group. Many more are missing after over 100 individuals reportedly gathered to siphon refined fuel under darkness.
COP17 in Mongolia wraps up with 1.3 billion dollars of Green Investment Pledge
The 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification concluded in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, with a $1.3 billion pledge for 23 green projects across five continents.
UK ministers are reportedly poised to approve the controversial Jackdaw gasfield this month, with the Rosebank oilfield likely to follow later this year. Consultations for both projects have closed, and the energy secretary is expected to recommend approval for Jackdaw soon.
UK media's 'wudu-gate' controversy, criticizing Muslims for water use during wudu, is a deflection from the environmental impact of AI data centers and fuels Islamophobia.
A fire broke out in an open grass patch in Bukit Panjang, Singapore, with no injuries reported. The blaze involved vegetation measuring about 30m by 20m and was extinguished with a water jet.
A new trend among Chinese tourists involves buying 'disposable clothing' for travel, worn once for photos and then discarded, raising significant environmental and health concerns.
Nepali officials warn of a newly formed glacial lake, 'Lake Two,' in Rasuwa, Nepal, which has accumulated an estimated 650,000 cubic meters of water and poses a risk of bursting. Hydrologists are urging vigilance, especially for aid workers and those in low-lying areas.
The World Meteorological Organization forecasts a stable and intensifying El Niño phenomenon, expected to persist until February 2027, with significant climate risks.
Heavy rain forecast for north, central and east India over the next few days. IMD predicts low to moderate flash-flood risk in several regions.
Rwanda: The Worst-Case Scenario Demands More Than a Warning
Rwanda faces a critical period with forecasts of above-normal rainfall, prompting an urgent call for enhanced disaster preparedness following a devastating flood in Nepal and past local tragedies.
Loudoun County, Virginia, has become known as Data Center Alley due to its dense concentration of data centers. The county's data center boom has brought prosperity but also backlash.
Hong Kong's mega-event economy is thriving, with over 130 events drawing 1.75 million visitors and injecting HK$5.8 billion into the local economy in the first half of 2026. These events also prioritize environmental sustainability, with features like recycling and carbon…
North Carolina teenager dies from rare infection caused by brain-eating amoeba. Naegleria fowleri often found in warm freshwater, can cause severe brain damage.
Algeria moves to restore death penalty for deliberate forest fires
Algeria's President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has ordered the reintroduction of the death penalty for intentional forest fires after recent blazes killed 12 people, instructing the justice minister to amend the penal code by September 15.
Hong Kong's government lost an appeal to build 12,000 public housing flats on the Fanling golf course. The Court of Appeal cited an unfair public consultation process and unmet wildlife conservation objectives in its ruling.
Heavy rain forecast in South Korea, with parts expected to exceed 200mm. Warm Yellow Sea strengthens storms, with surface temperature at 29C. Thailand and Philippines under heavy rain warnings. Europe set for hot weather.
Turkmenistan has begun repairing significant methane leaks from its ageing oil and gas facilities, a move hailed by the UN as a breakthrough in climate action. This follows international scrutiny and engagement with foreign partners.
A Mexican entrepreneur has developed a method to turn discarded plastic into affordable housing materials, building 500 rooms and securing contracts for 300 homes in three years.
The AI Boom Could Triple Data Center Water Use by 2030
The rapid expansion of AI technology is projected to significantly increase water consumption by data centers, potentially tripling it by 2030, raising concerns about resource scarcity.
The Trump administration's EPA plans to eliminate a federal rule requiring public notice for certain industrial air permits, which critics say will allow data centers and other polluters to avoid public scrutiny and input on their environmental impact.
Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, declared a state of emergency on the environment during the state's 35th anniversary, citing gully erosion, flooding, and land degradation as existential threats.
Levels of a toxic ‘forever chemical’ rose to 13 times the legal limit during Thames Water pilots for a controversial water recycling scheme.
Iran's Energy Minister Abbas Aliabadi announced plans to expand development of small-scale, household renewable power plants, emphasizing the environmental benefits of clean energy over fossil fuels.
Tunisia: In Gabès, anti-pollution activists caught between weariness and the will not to abandon their city
In Gabès, Tunisia, residents and activists are battling severe pollution from the state-owned Tunisian Chemical Group (GCT), which processes phosphate into fertilizers. Despite continuous protests and a presidential promise to dismantle polluting units, a recent court dec…
BLM Sets October Oil and Gas Lease Sale for Montana and Dakotas
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has announced an oil and gas lease sale for Montana and the Dakotas in October. The sale will offer 123 parcels of land for leasing, with a total of 1,115 wells proposed. The BLM is seeking public comments on the proposed lease sale.
The US and Israel's war on Iran has caused significant environmental damage, including oil leaks in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, and the release of greenhouse gases. The war has also resulted in the contamination of Iran's coastal waters, including those aro…
The government will conduct technical studies to inform the development plans for the reclamation and merging of the Western islands. The studies will include feasibility studies, site investigations and surveys, as well as engineering and environmental studies.
Police looking for who’s responsible for dumping 80 loaves of bread on side of road
Police in Japan are looking for the person or people responsible for dumping 80 loaves of bread on the side of a road in Tottori Prefecture. The bread was found in four separate incidents over the course of a week, with a total weight of around 39 kilograms.
Indonesia President Prabowo Subianto has ordered the revocation of business permits of firms suspected of ordering forest and land burning. The order came as haze from fires in Indonesia spread to neighbouring countries including Malaysia and Singapore.