Environment

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.

New York pipeline proposal revives amid political controversy

A controversial natural gas pipeline off New York City's Rockaway Beach has been fast-tracked despite past rejections over environmental concerns. The Williams Company's Northeastern Supply Enhancement project faces renewed opposition as allegations of a political deal between state and federal officials surface. Residents worry about water quality and rising sea levels exacerbating local flooding risks.

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

2025년 10월 28일 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.

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.

U.S. power outages increase due to aging grid and severe weather

Power outages in the United States grew more frequent in 2024, exceeding 2023 levels by over 50%, primarily from Hurricanes Helene and Milton. A 2025 Department of Energy report warns that blackout hours could rise 100-fold by 2030 amid an aging infrastructure and climate pressures. Rural areas and homeowners face higher risks than urban dwellers and renters.

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.

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.

Oklahoma oil wastewater purges persist despite regulatory efforts

Toxic wastewater from oil fields continues to surface across Oklahoma, known as 'purges,' contaminating land and water sources. State regulators at the Oklahoma Corporation Commission identified high-pressure injection wells and orphan wells as key causes but have struggled to enforce prevention and cleanup. A yearlong investigation by The Frontier and ProPublica highlights over 150 such incidents in the past five years.

Drought strains finances in Texas town of Clyde

The small Texas city of Clyde missed bond payments in 2023 and 2024 amid a severe drought that reduced water sales and damaged infrastructure. Officials raised taxes and utility rates to address the shortfall, highlighting broader risks to the $4 trillion municipal bond market. Experts warn that droughts could expose more debt to climate threats than floods or wildfires by 2040.

Guilds criticize declaration of 99 priority sites for conservation

2025년 10월 29일 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.