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...

Since 1985, the European Commission has designated cities across Europe as Capitals of Culture in order to highlight the richness and diversity of cultures in Europe, increase European citizens’ sense of belonging to a common cultural area, and foster the contribution of culture to the development of cities. To become a Capital of Culture,...

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...

Water hyacinth is an invasive aquatic plant that has significantly impacted Lake Naivasha's ecosystem and local economy. Introduced in the late 1980s, it has proliferated rapidly, forming dense mats which obstruct waterways, hinder fishing activities, and disrupt the ecological balance. The infestation has led to reduced dissolved oxygen levels...

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...

In the past decade, successful conservation efforts concerning the Iberian lynx, including rewilding, recovery of key prey species, and wildlife corridors, have allowed the status of the species to go from Endangered to Vulnerable. Captive breeding programs in Portugal have been key to increasing the number of Iberian lynxes, leading to the...

On 4 September 2024, the Copernicus Sentinel-2C satellite was launched from the European Spaceport in French Guiana. Since then, it has acquired images of our planet as part of the calibration process, helping us to better monitor and understand the state of the Earth and its ecosystems.  As of 13 December 2024, a preliminary Sentinel-2C...

The Serranía de Hornocal, located in northern Argentina, is a striking mountain range famous for its vibrant, multicolored slopes. Known as the ‘Mountain of 14 Colours’, it provides one of the most stunning landscapes in the Andes. The colours are the result of mineral-rich sedimentary layers, creating a vivid palette of reds, purples, greens,...

Dealurile Homoroadelor, located in central Romania, is a picturesque area of rolling hills rich in biodiversity. As a Natura 2000 site, it forms part of the European Union’s network of protected areas, aimed at preserving rare and threatened species and habitats. With a surface area of 367 squared kilometres, the region features a mosaic of...

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...

Situated on the Vistula River in north-central Poland, Toruń is one of the country’s oldest and most historically significant cities. Established during the Teutonic Order’s Christianisation of Eastern Europe, Toruń is renowned for its well-preserved architecture, including the Teutonic Castle, Old Town, and New Town, earning it UNESCO World...

At over tens of thousands of years old, the Seine River is central to the landscape of France and, in particular, to the region of Normandy.  Stretching nearly 200km, the river flows through Paris and Rouen, Normandy’s capital, before ending in the English Channel. The river’s significance is reflected in industrial and recreational port...

Limnes Vistonis is an important wetland complex in Greece, covering an area of over 18,000 hectares. This protected site encompasses a variety of habitats, including extensive reedbeds, Tamarix scrubs (among the largest in Greece), salt marshes, dunes, and areas of agricultural cultivation. As a Natura 2000 site, the area is an important...

Spanning over 155,000 hectares, the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park in northeastern Brazil is a unique natural wonder known for its vast, undulating sand dunes with crystal-clear lagoons, which cover over half of the park’s total area. The lagoons are created when rainwater collects in depressions between the dunes. Designated a UNESCO World...

Genoa, located in northwestern Italy, is a historic port city along the Ligurian Sea. Surrounded by steep hills and mountains, it is characterised by a rugged landscape that has shaped its development. The city’s geography has contributed to its growth as a maritime and commercial hub since ancient times.  The city is also known for its narrow,...

Barranquilla, located in northern Colombia, is positioned along the western bank of the Magdalena River near its mouth at the Caribbean Sea. This strategic geographic location has made Barranquilla an important port and commercial hub, earning it the nickname ‘the Golden Gate of Colombia’ for its role in facilitating trade between the interior...

Lima, the capital of Peru, is located on the central coast of the country, nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the rugged Andean foothills. The city sits at an elevation of about 150 metres above sea level, with the surrounding landscape consisting of cliffs and valleys. The city’s geography plays a key role in shaping its mild, temperate...