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‘Faster and faster’: Why did global sea levels rise more than expected in 2024?
15 Mar 2025

Since the satellite recording of ocean height began in 1993, the rate of annual sea level rise has more than doubled. Global sea levels rose faster than expected in 2024 as the world experienced its hottest year on record, a new study has found. This was due to an unusual amount of ocean warming combined […]

What is an atmospheric river? Scientists say they are getting bigger, wetter and more frequent
14 Mar 2025

Atmospheric rivers can bring much needed rain to drought-struck places, but may be dangerous when they are strong and last long. As extreme weather events have hit the world hard in recent years, one meteorology term – atmospheric rivers – has made the leap from scientific circles to common language. Particularly in places that have […]

From flood to drought: Cairo tops list of world’s ‘climate flip’ cities
13 Mar 2025

Flooded by the Nile for thousands of years, Cairo is facing increasingly severe drought as the world’s most extreme example of a phenomenon called “climate flip”. Riyadh, Jeddah and Khartoum are also in the grip of “drying trends” as the Middle East and North Africa take a pounding from climate change, a major study has found. Scientists working for the charity […]

UAE breathes cleaner air, as levels of major pollutant fall
12 Mar 2025

Levels of a major pollutant in the UAE’s air have dropped significantly in a year, according to a report that ranks countries by air quality. While concentrations of the smallest type of particulate matter remain above levels recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO), the 2024 World Air Quality Report from Swiss company IQAir reveals that they have […]

Climate change is ‘shrinking’ space as satellites jostle for orbital real estate
11 Mar 2025

Satellites could collide in space due to climate change shrinking part of the atmosphere, scientists have warned. Space junk could get stuck in orbit due to humans damaging a layer called the thermosphere, according to MIT engineers. That would leave less room for new satellites that provide internet, navigation and weather forecasting to our planet. Overcrowding in orbit could lead […]

Warm oceans, shifting winds: What is the science behind Cyclone Alfred’s strength?
10 Mar 2025

The last time a cyclone struck so far south along Australia’s east coast was in 1974. For the first time in more than five decades, a tropical cyclone is on track to hit Australia’s relatively temperate east coast. Slow-moving Cyclone Alfred is barrelling toward Brisbane – Australia’s third biggest city – and the nearby tourist […]

Fish learn how to survive in warming Arabian Gulf
09 Mar 2025

The warming waters of the Arabian Gulf mean fish must adapt to survive – but new research suggests local marine life might be particularly good at it. Scientists at NYU Abu Dhabi found reef fish in the harsh Arabian Gulf conditions had developed a higher “thermal tolerance” than in the milder Gulf of Oman. However, the Arabian Gulf had […]

How UAE amphibians are thriving thanks to urbanisation

Development and urbanisation often destroys wildlife habitats but researchers have found that, for the UAE’s amphibians at least, it may have an upside. Researchers say urban lakes and ponds have become habitats for Dhofar toads, one of only two amphibious species native to the country, demonstrating how certain species can thrive in areas transformed by people. […]

Most companies not ready for financial impact of climate change, study finds
07 Mar 2025

The majority of companies around the world are unprepared for the risks caused by temperatures soaring due to climate change, a new report has revealed. The study shows only slightly more than a third of firms, 35 per cent, have factored in a plan to adapt for climate change. The report, from market intelligence firm S&P […]

Waste is outpacing population growth – and this requires urgent action

Ali Al Dhaheri is the managing director and chief executive of Tadweer Group The issue of how to manage waste is not a new one. Tackling the vast amounts of it that countries generate is a task for no one nation. Global waste is projected to reach 3.8 billion tonnes by 2050, growing more than twice […]