Environment

Reducing household refrigerator CO2 emissions

Refrigerators contribute about 4% of a home's carbon emissions, equivalent to 89 kg of CO2 per year. Recent updates highlight ways to lower this impact through maintenance, efficient settings and choosing low-GWP models. Global efforts, including the Kigali Amendment, aim to phase out high-impact refrigerants by 2036.

Hoy no circula imposes restrictions on October 29 in CDMX and Edomex

October 28, 2025 Juan Pérez

The Hoy No Circula program will restrict vehicles with red stickers and plate endings 3 and 4 in Mexico City and the State of Mexico on Wednesday, October 29, 2025. The measure, in effect from 5:00 to 22:00, aims to reduce air pollution in the Mexico City Metropolitan Area. Violators face fines up to 3,000 pesos.

New books critique America's deep car dependency

Recent publications are reigniting historical criticisms of automobiles, highlighting their dangers and societal costs from a century ago to today. Authors argue that car culture shapes perceptions and perpetuates environmental and health harms. These works signal growing opposition to vehicle dominance in urban planning and daily life.

Nonprofit revives NOAA's billion-dollar disaster database

Climate Central has resurrected the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's billion-dollar disaster database, which the Trump administration discontinued in May. The nonprofit updated the tool to track escalating costs of weather and climate catastrophes amid federal cutbacks. This effort highlights a growing reliance on nonprofits to preserve climate data as government resources diminish.

Guest idea promotes october efficiency checks for businesses

As autumn arrives, businesses are encouraged to audit their maintenance practices for better energy efficiency and reduced emissions ahead of winter. This seasonal review can lower costs, extend equipment life, and enhance sustainability reputations. Experts highlight simple steps like equipment audits and smarter scheduling to achieve these gains.

Scientists warn of grim new chapter in Earth's climate crisis

An international team of researchers has issued a stark report on the planet's vital signs, declaring that humanity is hurtling toward climate chaos. The analysis of 2025 data reveals record extremes in 22 of 34 tracked indicators, from ocean heat to Antarctic ice loss. While the situation is dire, experts emphasize that bold action can still avert catastrophe.

Guilds criticize declaration of 99 priority sites for conservation

October 29, 2025 Ana Torres

Chile's Ministry of Environment aims to protect 99 priority sites covering nearly 4 million hectares to meet the goal of conserving 30% of the national territory. However, guilds such as Sonami, CPC, and SalmonChile have criticized the initiative, arguing it creates uncertainty for existing productive activities. Aarón Cavieres, director of the Biodiversity and Protected Areas Service, defends that it does not affect regularized projects.

South Africa's provincial nature reserves in crisis

South Africa's provincial nature reserves, vital for biodiversity conservation, are deteriorating due to underfunding, poaching, and mismanagement. A recent report highlights systemic failures across provinces, threatening ecological and economic potential. Urgent reforms are needed to meet national and international obligations.

Data center boom threatens western US resources

A surge in data centers across the western United States is driving up electricity and water demands, potentially increasing consumer bills and hindering climate goals. A new report from Western Resource Advocates warns that without stronger regulations, households could bear the financial and environmental costs. The boom risks extending fossil fuel use and straining water supplies in arid regions.

Egypt launches green hydrogen projects with global investors

Mohamed El-Shimy, Minister of the Public Enterprises Sector, announced that the Chemical Industries Holding Company is implementing ambitious projects to produce green hydrogen and its derivatives, in cooperation with international investors and government entities. These initiatives align with Egypt's strategy to localize industry and advance green technology. The minister made these remarks during the inauguration of the Third International Hydrogen in Africa Conference in Cairo.