The Secretariat of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals recently published the "State of the World's Migratory Species" report, which provides a comprehensive overview of the current status and trends of migratory species worldwide. The report highlights the urgent need for conservation efforts to mitigate...

On 27 February 2024, a grassfire broke out northeast of North Platte, Nebraska, destroying one home and around five outbuildings, among other damage.  Fierce winds of almost 65 kilometres per hour, coupled with dry winter foliage and low humidity, caused the fire to quickly spread over 280 square kilometres, prompting  Nebraska’s governor to...

On 29 February, the Ebro River in Spain overflowed its banks and flooded several areas in the upper Aragon autonomous region, although no damage was observed or expected in urban areas. This flooding, which has already affected the provinces of Burgos, Álava, Navarra and La Rioja, appears to have become a frequent occurrence which repeats every...

The Ballarat region of western Victoria, in Australia, is battling an out-of-control bushfire that has prompted authorities to warn residents not to return home due to ongoing safety concerns. Despite efforts by firefighters to contain it, the fire remains active and has destroyed at least six houses and numerous sheds since it started. With a...

The Government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (SGSSI ) has recently announced major plans to strengthen marine conservation in the Southern Ocean, with the announcement of significant development of 'No Take Zones'. Covering an additional 166,000 km2, these areas will protect 449,000 km2 of highly biodiverse marine habitats...

Guatemala has called for urgent international assistance to fight raging wildfires, particularly on the Agua volcano, which has devastated hundreds of hectares of forest in a matter of days. Vice President Karin Herrera has mobilised the National Coordination for Disaster Reduction CONRED to aid, stressing the need for firefighting equipment...

The ecosystems and communities of the Pacific Islands are vulnerable to the consequences of climate change. For example, the area is increasingly affected by extreme weather events, such as cyclones, which are becoming more frequent and intense. This image, acquired on 24 December 2023 by one of the Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellites, shows the...

The city of Melbourne in Australia has recently been named one of the 10 most sustainable cities in the world. Its investments in implementing clean transport solutions, such as trams and bike lanes, contribute to efforts aiming to reduce polluting emissions. The city prioritises green spaces, such as parks, which not only beautify the urban...

A recent study sheds light on the alarming rate at which glaciers are disappearing in Africa, particularly on Mount Kenya, Kilimanjaro and the Ruwenzori Mountains. Despite the fact they are close to the equator, these glaciers serve as critical indicators of climate change. The study, published in the Environmental Research: Climate journal,...

In the Brazilian region of Roraima, the fight against rampant wildfires is intensifying as authorities battle more than 600 hotspots reported since the beginning of February, according to The National Institute for Space Research of Brazil. The area, known for its dense forests and unique biodiversity, is facing a serious threat to its...

The Great Lakes, which consist of five lakes: Superior, Ontario, Erie, Huron, and Michigan, are a vital freshwater resource, collectively holding about one-fifth of the world's surface freshwater and serving as crucial ecosystems and transportation routes. These interconnected bodies of water, bordered by the United States and Canada, hit...

Over the past few years, Morocco has been affected by prolonged drought and low rainfall episodes. To address the threat of water scarcity, local authorities are implementing strict measures, including restrictions on water use for agriculture and daily activities. These Copernicus Sentinel-2 images, acquired on 26 January 2023 (top) and 2024...

The current high-pressure system over southern Europe has caused air quality to deteriorate in Italy. In the Po Valley, pollution levels are worrying and have exceeded normative thresholds. As shown in this visualisation based on data  from the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service, PM10 exceeded 100 μg/m3 in many areas of the Po Valley on...

Nestled along the Senegalese coastline, the Saloum Delta is a captivating haven of biodiversity, with its rich tapestry of wildlife. Teeming with vibrant bird species, frolicking dolphins and elusive marine life, this delta serves as a sanctuary for a myriad of flora and fauna. Its extensive mangrove forests not only provide a vital habitat for...

The Wintering Wildlife Conservation Initiative, recently launched by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) in partnership with the Winter Wildlands Alliance and the Colorado Mountain Club, aims to raise public awareness of the threats to wildlife during Colorado's winter months. The initiative provides educational resources and tools to help winter...

Popocatépetl is a stratovolcano in central Mexico, formed by the subduction of the Cocos Plate beneath the North American Plate. Its eruptions are predominantly explosive, driven by the build-up of gas pressure in the magma chamber. It is closely monitored due to its proximity to densely populated areas such as Mexico City and La Puebla. The...

The Zahara-El Gastor reservoir in southern Spain is a vital source of water for agriculture and recreation. The critical drought affecting the province of Cádiz has left the reservoir at nearly 6% of its capacity, a worrying level that threatens access to water for surrounding communities. The lack of water is clearly visible in this Copernicus...

Lake Chapala, the largest freshwater lake in Mexico, is located in the state of Jalisco. It is the primary source of water supply for the Guadalajara metropolitan area and supports a rich biodiversity of aquatic life, including numerous fish species and migratory birds. Since 2009, the reservoir has been declared a wetland of international...

Isle Royale, covering 54,200 hectares, is located in the remote western part of Lake Superior, between Minnesota, USA and Thunder Bay, Canada. The island serves as a haven for wildlife biologists, providing a unique setting to study wolves and moose in their natural habitat, free from human interference.  Since 1958, researchers have conducted...

Coral bleaching is a marine phenomenon which occurs when corals expel the algae living in their tissues, causing them to turn white or pale. This expulsion is often triggered by environmental stressors such as rising water temperatures, pollution, or changes in ocean chemistry. Without the colourful algae, corals lose their primary source of...