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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
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 […]
A new study sheds light on the power of keystone species, which could help ecologists in other environments. A sea otter floating above ribbons of kelp is undoubtedly one of nature’s cutest scenes. It’s well known that the marine mammals help make these sea surface ‘pillows’ more abundant, by eating the sea urchins that nibble […]
Air pollution, pesticide use, and plastic litter at sea are down, but more action is needed for the bloc to meet its clean goals by 2030. While the internet was abuzz with the Oscars, a very different set of results was unveiled in Brussels this morning: the runners and riders in Europe’s race to zero […]
Extreme heat may have a bigger impact on biological ageing than smoking and drinking alcohol, research suggests. As climate change fuels rising temperatures worldwide, a new study warns that extreme heat could be speeding up the ageing process in older adults. Seniors exposed to prolonged periods of extreme heat showed signs of increased biological ageing, […]
The researchers studied Earth’s orbit, tilt and wobble to solve a problem that had stumped scientists for decades. A new study suggests that Earth’s next ice age should begin within the next 11,000 years – except our impact on the planet may delay it, potentially by thousands of years. Scientists have long known that shifts […]
As temperatures rise because of climate change, a new study has drawn an unexpected conclusion – Dubai may have become cooler in recent decades. Contrasting with the global trend and with results from five other major Gulf cities analysed, the apparent fall in surface temperatures of built-up areas in Dubai has been credited to the expansion of green […]
