In 2024, renewable energies made up 59 percent of Germany’s total electricity generation, up from 56 percent in 2023. For the first time, wind and solar overtook fossil fuels as energy sources, thanks in large part to renewable energy deployment policies, including more accessible wind permits and an increase in solar energy installations....

Between 15 and 18 January 2025, an eruptive phase of Hawaii's Kīlauea volcano was recorded, making it the fourth episode since 23 December 2024.The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reported that the eruption was confined to the Halemaʻumaʻu crater within the Kīlauea summit caldera. The activity included episodic fountaining, a phenomenon not...

Between 17 and 18 January 2025, Morocco was affected by significant snowfall, particularly in mountainous regions above 1,400 metres. In Ifrane, often referred to as the "Switzerland of Morocco", heavy snowfall transformed the city into a picturesque winter landscape. In the face of a severe cold wave and snowfall, authorities in Morocco have...

On 20 January 2025, the Australian Bureau of Meteorology upgraded Tropical Cyclone Sean to a Category 4 storm off the coast of Western Australia. Though not predicted to make landfall on the Australian mainland, the cyclone brought intense rainfall and flooding to the city of Karratha, where an almost 20-year rainfall record was broken after...

On 10 January 2025, authorities in Paraguay declared a 60-day national emergency due to widespread forest fires. The fires have impacted public and private protected wild areas, biodiversity, and local communities. As of 10 January, nearly 15,000 hectares had been affected, most of which are in the eastern region of the country. With over 2,200...

The Pio XI glacier in Chile’s Southern Ice Field is South America's largest, and one of the few glaciers in the world which continues to advance despite global climate change. Several factors may contribute to its growth, including high precipitation, relatively stable temperatures, and its proximity to active volcanoes.  The glacier has grown...

After a start to the season characterised by an absence of precipitation, the recent cold wave which swept across much of Europe has brought abundant snowfall to the Alps, transforming the mountain range into a snowy landscape ideal for winter sports enthusiasts. The cold temperatures of the last few days have favoured significant snow...

On 11 January 2025, Madagascar and the French territory of Mayotte in the Indian Ocean were hit by Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi. The storm brought heavy rainfall and winds exceeding 115 km/h, causing at least 3 casualties in Madagascar. Dikeledi then brought heavy rain to Mayotte, leading to flooding and mudslides on the archipelago. This storm...

As of 13 January 2025, the three fires affecting Los Angeles, California since 7 January continue to burn, spurred on by strong winds. The fires have been deemed among the most destructive in the city’s history, claiming at least 24 lives. The largest fire, in the Palisades neighbourhood, has burnt over 9,000 hectares and destroyed around 5,300...

On 9 January 2025, UK authorities issued weather warnings for ice, heavy snowfall, and extreme cold, with temperatures plunging as low as -13.3C in some areas. These warnings followed more than 60 flood alerts across England and Wales issued on 8 January. Additionally, an amber cold health alert was declared for all of England until midday on...

A fast-moving fire broke out in the Hollywood Hills of California, USA, on 7 January 2025, threatening iconic Los Angeles landmarks and thousands of homes. The fire was one of four major blazes in the region, which have caused more than five casualties, destroyed at least 2,000 structures, and led to evacuation orders for more than 130,000...

As of 6 January 2025, seven states in the US have declared emergencies following a widespread winter storm which has caused travel disruptions, school closures, and at least five casualties. The storm, which began on 4 January, brought heavy snowfall and extreme cold to the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Midwest regions while also affecting...

Witznitz Solar Park, located near Leipzig in eastern Germany, is Europe’s largest photovoltaic plant. Built on a former lignite mining site, the park spans approximately 500 hectares, with an estimated capacity of more than 650 MW and over 1.1 million solar modules. 160 hectares of the park’s land have been dedicated to environmental...

In northern Finland lies Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland and a popular gateway to the Arctic. Known as the official hometown of Santa Claus, it attracts visitors year-round, providing unique experiences such as crossing the Arctic Circle, staying in glass igloos, and viewing the Northern Lights. Rovaniemi is also rich in natural beauty,...

Between October and November 2024, northern Australia was affected by intense bushfires. According to the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS), which has been tracking the situation, the emissions generated by the fires have surpassed average levels. The region of Queensland has been particularly impacted, recording its highest...

Following Storm Dorothea, the Spanish Canary Islands were affected by a haze brought on by strong gusts of wind on 17 December 2024, which carried suspended dust from the Sahara Desert. This dense haze, known locally as calima, led to decreased air quality in several areas. The islands of Lanzarote and Fuerteventura were the hardest hit, with...

On 14 December 2024, Cyclone Chido, a Category 4 storm, hit Mayotte, a French archipelago in the Indian Ocean near Madagascar. With winds exceeding 220 km/h, Chido was the strongest storm to affect the islands in over 90 years, destroying buildings and key infrastructure, including roads and electrical grids, and impacting the ability of rescue...

On 15 December 2024, the Pyrenees mountains were hit by an intense snowstorm. In Spain, the Ebro Valley was affected by morning fog and widespread frost, especially in low-lying areas and depressions. Amid the snowfall, fog, and frost, authorities have advised drivers and residents to take precautions, as these conditions can impact visibility...

In 2024, Ecuador was hit by a series of devastating forest fires, exacerbated by the worst drought in sixty years. In mid-November, local authorities declared a national state of emergency for 60 days, mobilising resources to fight the fires and tackle the energy crisis caused by the drought. The province of Azuay, home to Ecuador's third...

On 9 December 2024, a wildfire, identified by the local authorities as Franklin Fire, broke out in Malibu, California, destroying multiple structures and forcing the evacuation of 6,300 people. Two days after the start of the event, the Franklin Fire remained only 7% contained, causing school closures and the deployment of almost 2,000...