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Global food insecurity assessments systematically underestimate the number of people in urgent need, with about 20% of those experiencing acute hunger going uncounted. Analysis of nearly 10,000 subnational cases revealed a conservative bias in classification, especially when data are conflicting, leading to underreporting of crisis-level food insecurity (phase 3 or higher).
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Wildfires can convert chromium(III), a benign soil nutrient, into carcinogenic chromium(VI) when soils rich in chromium are exposed to temperatures between 750–1,100 °F. The extent of this conversion depends on soil location and weathering, with summit soils showing higher chromium(VI) formation at lower temperatures. Resulting contamination can persist in groundwater for months to years.
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Contrails forming within natural cirrus clouds, previously overlooked, contribute up to 10% of the warming effect of visible contrails, increasing aviation’s overall climate impact. Most contrails likely form within cirrus clouds, and rerouting flights through these clouds does not reduce warming, indicating such strategies are ineffective for mitigating aviation-induced climate change.
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Analysis of seismic data indicates a decade-long eastward progression of moderate earthquakes along the Main Marmara Fault, culminating in the 2025 M 6.2 event. This sequence brings seismic activity closer to the locked segment south of Istanbul, which remains highly stressed and capable of producing a magnitude ~7 earthquake, underscoring the need for enhanced real-time monitoring.
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Openings in Arctic sea ice and emissions from oil fields significantly alter atmospheric chemistry, enhancing cloud formation and pollutant levels. These processes create feedback loops that accelerate sea-ice melt and amplify regional warming. Interactions between halogens and oil field emissions further deplete ozone, increasing surface warming and environmental change.
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A major drilling mission beneath the Ross Ice Shelf aims to recover a 200-meter sediment core from under 500 meters of ice, providing records from the past 23 million years. Analysis of these sediments, including microfossils, will clarify how the West Antarctic Ice Sheet responds to warming and help identify temperature thresholds for its retreat, informing projections of future sea-level rise.
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A 6.7 magnitude earthquake off northeastern Japan generated small tsunami waves but caused no significant damage or injuries. The event followed a recent 7.5 magnitude quake in the same region, which resulted in minor injuries, temporary power outages, and tsunami waves up to 0.6 meters. Authorities noted a slight increase in the risk of a magnitude 8+ megaquake.
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Travel bans during prolonged blizzards lose effectiveness as residents’ ability to comply diminishes, especially in areas with limited resources. A predictive framework using weather data estimates when compliance may decline, highlighting that policy resilience depends on both storm severity and adaptive, location-specific measures. Targeted interventions and flexible planning can improve emergency response and sustain compliance.
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A persistent tule fog event covered California’s Central Valley for over two weeks in late 2025, facilitated by moist soils from heavy autumn rainfall and a stable high-pressure system that trapped moisture. The fog, typically denser in colder conditions, lingered at higher altitudes due to warmer overall temperatures, differing from past events with denser, ground-level fog.
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Native grasses such as ganalay and guli, once central to Kamilaroi women’s food practices, have declined due to grazing, cropping, and water regulation. Oral histories reveal cultural loss and environmental degradation linked to industrial agriculture and water extraction. Despite this, native grasses persist and offer nutritional benefits, highlighting the need for water management that respects Indigenous knowledge and ecological health.
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The EU has agreed on new rules requiring at least 25% of plastics in new vehicles to be recycled within 10 years, with an interim 15% target in six years. At least 20% of recycled content must come from end-of-life vehicles. The agreement also bans exports of unroadworthy vehicles and instructs the European Commission to set future targets for recycled metals and critical materials.
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Droughts in Australia have become longer since 1971, especially in densely populated and agricultural regions in the southeast and southwest. Analysis from 1911–2020 shows increased drought duration, with winter and spring dryness impacting crops. AI models reveal that soil moisture and evaporation are stronger drought predictors than rainfall alone, highlighting the complexity of drought risk.
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A new physics-based algorithm enables objective detection and tracking of rain-triggering shear lines during the northeast monsoon in the Philippines. This method improves monitoring of these elusive weather systems, aids in quantifying their contribution to extreme rainfall, and enhances weather forecasting and early warning systems, with potential applications in climatology and model validation.
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Rising sea levels and increased storm surges threaten infrastructure, ecosystems, and community cohesion on Cape Ann, Massachusetts. Simulations highlight vulnerabilities such as road access and sewage overflow, emphasizing the need for locally driven, collaborative adaptation strategies. Trade-offs between engineered defenses and ecosystem restoration are central to building long-term resilience.
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France’s updated net-zero plan targets carbon neutrality by 2050, phasing out oil use by 2040–2045 and fossil gas by 2050. The strategy aims to increase electricity’s share of energy to 55% by 2050, mainly from renewables, and promotes electric vehicles and dietary shifts. The plan seeks economic growth while reducing emissions across transport, agriculture, and industry.
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Florida reduced its Department of Environmental Protection workforce by 19% from 2010 to 2024, the largest cut nationally, and decreased environmental spending by 7%. These reductions occurred despite increasing climate-related challenges. Policy changes also included removing climate change references from state law and educational materials. Similar budget and staffing cuts were seen in many other states.
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