The Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) has published its latest monthly Climate Bulletin, focused on key climate trends in November 2024. The bulletin indicates that November 2024 was the second-warmest November globally, following November 2023, with an average surface air temperature of 14.10°C, which is 0.73°C above the 1991-2020...

With over 70% of Europeans living in urban areas, cities are key to implementing the European Green Deal and fostering a sustainable, low-carbon society. Since 2010, the European Green Capital Award has recognised cities’ efforts to become greener and cleaner. On 27 November 2024, the European Commission announced Guimarães, Portugal, as the...

This image, acquired by one of the Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellite, showcases a striking phenomenon caused by the bora wind over the Adriatic Sea between Croatia's Dalmatian coast and the island of Pag.  On the day the image was acquired, the bora - a strong katabatic wind blowing from the land - reached speeds of more than 100 km/h. As it...

The Albufera Natural Park is one of Europe’s most biodiverse coastal wetlands. Home to over 372 bird species and endangered freshwater fish, the Park’s water quality has deteriorated significantly after the disastrous floods which affected the Valencia Region, Spain, at the end of October 2024.  This is evident in the change in the water’s...

Every austral summer, oceanographic and seasonal conditions in the eastern Great Australian Bight favour the development of phytoplankton blooms. Seasonal winds and ocean currents contribute to the redistribution of nutrients in the water column, creating ideal conditions for these microscopic organisms to thrive.   As the foundation of the...

Gribskov, or ‘Grib Forest’, is the fourth-largest forest in Denmark, covering an area of over 5,500 hectares. This lush woodland is renowned for its diverse ecosystems, including lakes, bogs, and meadows, which provide essential habitats for diverse flora and fauna. As a Natura 2000 site, operations to preserve Gribskov are key to protecting...

On 28 November 2024, the international Nuuk Airport opened in Greenland’s capital, ushering in an era of increased accessibility for the Arctic region.  With a 2,200-metre runway, the airport will connect larger jet aircraft flying between Iceland, Denmark, Canada, and the US. The new facility is expected to boost tourism in the country,...

In 2024, Brazil, the world's largest exporter of soya and corn, faced one of the worst droughts in its recent history. Among the worst affected rivers is the Tapajós, a key artery for grain trade from the state of Mato Grosso, the beating heart of Brazil's agricultural production. In October, its water level reached historic lows, forcing the...

This image from the Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellite, acquired on 2 October 2024, shows part of the Koyukuk River in Alaska, USA. The area has been the subject of studies which have provided valuable insights into the Earth's permafrost. In Alaska, where many riverbanks are permanently frozen, mapping the extent of permafrost and analysing the...

At the end of November 2024, heavy snowfall covered large parts of South Korea for two consecutive days, blanketing large areas of the country. In the capital, Seoul, 16 cm of snow accumulated—the highest recorded for November since 1907. The severe weather led to the cancellation of hundreds of flights, nationwide road closures, and at least...

In 2024, Sicily, Italy faced its worst drought in almost 20 years, with nearly empty reservoirs and water rationing affecting up to two million people.  In response, authorities declared a state of emergency, with plans to manage the drought through the reintroduction of desalination plants. Lake Caccamo, located in Sicily, is shown in this...

The Del Carmen Mangrove Reserve on Siargao Island in the Philippines was recently designated a Ramsar Site of International Importance.  Spanning nearly 4,900 hectares, the reserve forms the country's largest contiguous mangrove forest. The area’s intertidal flats and upland forests are connected by the mangroves, providing a way for birds to...

Many ski resorts in the Alps have welcomed the new ski season thanks to heavy snowfall after the recent Arctic blast which hit Europe in November 2024. In the French Alps, some areas above 1,900 metres received up to 60 cm of snow, with additional accumulations from recent storms. Snow has also accumulated in the Swiss and Italian Alps and in...

Parts of the United Kingdom have been affected by severe floods after Storm Bert made landfall on 22 November 2024, bringing over 100mm of rain to some areas.  On 24 November, authorities had issued over 100 flood alerts across the country as wind gusts reached over 120 km/h in coastal areas and 104 km/h inland. The storm has led to at least...

On 20 November 2024, the Sundhnúkur volcano near the town of Grindavík in southwestern Iceland erupted for the seventh time since December 2023. While it has not disrupted air travel, evacuations were carried out at a nearby geothermal power plant and two hotels at the Blue Lagoon, one of the country’s most popular tourist attractions. These...

Lahemaa, located in northern Estonia on the southern shore of the Gulf of Finland, is the country’s oldest and largest national park, spanning over 725 km². Established in 1971, it is renowned for its diverse ecosystems, including lush forests, wetlands, and beaches. A Natura 2000 site, the park is home to a variety of wildlife, such as moose,...

Many areas along the border between the Czech Republic and Austria are rich in biodiversity and protected under the EU Habitats Directive. One example is the area which includes the Podyjí National Park in the Czech Republic and the Thayatal National Park in Austria, both Natura 2000 sites. Covering an area of 63 km², the Podyjí National Park...

A powerful storm struck the Pacific Northwest region of the United States and British Columbia, Canada, on 19 November 2024, leaving 290,000 buildings without power and claiming at least two lives in Washington state. More than 70,000 people in British Columbia were also left without electricity. The storm, called a “bomb cyclone” by weather...

On 15 November 2024, Tropical Storm Sara made landfall in Honduras, causing extensive damage and bringing over 50 centimetres of rain to the northern region of the country.  The torrential downpour has resulted in devastating flash floods and mudslides, affecting more than 110,000 people and isolating hundreds of communities. This image,...

Budapest, Hungary’s capital and largest city, is situated along the banks of the Danube River, dividing the city into Buda and Pest. The western side, Buda, is connected by numerous bridges to the eastern Pest. Since 1934, Budapest has been known as the Spa City thanks to its rich heritage of thermal baths, which are supplied by more than 100...