On 8 March 2025, a large wildfire broke out on Mount Garač in the Municipality of Danilovgrad, Montenegro. The fire spread rapidly due to dry vegetation and strong winds, prompting an immediate response from emergency services. The Protection and Rescue Directorate deployed aerial firefighting units to contain the flames and prevent the fire...

We rely on satellites more than we may realise—whether it’s for weather forecasting, global navigation, or critical communication systems. However, as our dependence on space-based technologies grows, so does the threat posed by the clutter of space debris surrounding Earth. Space Situational Awareness (SSA) is essential for ensuring the...

FPCUP SNOWLOADS organized a user workshop in Munich to present the current status of the project and to interact with potential users of the developed app-prototypes.

On 14 March 2025, heavy rainfall in northern and central Italy led to severe flooding and landslides in the regions of Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany. Some residents in affected areas have been evacuated, with others rescued by emergency crews. The flooding has affected road travel and led to school closures. On the same day, Italian authorities...

This Copernicus Sentinel-3 image, acquired on 17 March 2025, shows the world’s biggest iceberg, known as A23a. Once measuring 3,900 km2, the iceberg is now roughly 3,300 km2, shrinking as it passes through the Antarctic Ocean. The iceberg started moving again in 2024 after being stuck on the floor of the Weddell Sea for over 30 years. After...

Bragança is a historic city located in the northeastern region of Portugal.  The city is home to a well-preserved medieval castle, the Castelo de Bragança, which provides stunning views of the surrounding landscape and serves as a symbol of the region’s long history. Bragança is also known for its beautiful natural surroundings, which serve as...

The Étang de Biguglia is the largest lagoon in Corsica, France. Designated as a Ramsar Site, the lagoon covers approximately 1,800 hectares and is known for its rich biodiversity. It provides a crucial habitat for a variety of bird species, 18 of which are protected under the EU Habitats and Birds Directives. It is also home to a diverse range...

Located on the northern side of the Grossglockner, the highest peak in Austria, the Pasterze Glacier is the longest glacier in the country and in the Eastern Alps. Situated in the Hohe Tauern mountain range and spanning around 15 km2 in area, the glacier is a stunning natural wonder, attracting hikers, climbers, and tourists to experience its...

14 March is the International Day of Action for Rivers, dedicated to honouring the role of rivers in supporting the health of the environment and life on Earth. An example of one important river is the Po, the longest river in Italy. Rising in the Cottian Alps and emptying into the Adriatic Sea, the Po’s drainage basin covers over 70,000 km2,...

In 2024, the planet experienced extremes which were unprecedented in the instrumental record, highlighting the ongoing impact of human-induced climate change. In addition to record global temperatures which made 2024 the first year with an average temperature clearly exceeding the threshold of 1.5°C above the pre-industrial level set in the...

As one of the world’s most vulnerable countries to disasters and the consequences of climate change, the Philippines is facing increasing environmental pressure.   One challenge facing the country includes ground subsidence, which poses a particular threat to metropolitan areas in the Philippines by increasing risks of flooding, infrastructural...

On 9 March 2025, the Fuego Volcano in Guatemala began erupting, prompting the evacuation of over 300 people in the vicinity. The National Coordinator for Disaster Reduction of Guatemala (CONRED) issued an orange alert, recommending that communities near the volcano prepare accordingly. Guatemalan authorities reported that the eruptive phase had...

The Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) has published its latest monthly Climate Bulletin, focused on key climate trends in February 2025. The bulletin reports that February 2025 was the third warmest February on record globally, with an average surface air temperature of 13.36°C, 0.63°C above the 1991-2020 average for the month....

Hornindalsvatnet, located in western Norway, holds the title of Europe’s deepest lake, reaching a depth of 514 metres. Unlike many other Norwegian lakes, it is not fed by glacial rivers, therefore resulting in exceptionally clear water. The lake is located within a spectacular landscape of steep valleys and rugged mountains, making it a...

This image, acquired by one of Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellites on 2 September 2024, shows the Arctic coastline of Canada’s Yukon territory, where land meets the dynamic waters of the Beaufort Sea. In the image, Herschel Island (Qikiqtaruk), Avadlek Spit, and the Firth River delta are visible, all of which are affected by coastal and riverine...

This image, acquired by one of the Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellites on 5 November 2024, shows the Vipava Valley in southwestern Slovenia.  Known for its mild Mediterranean climate, fertile lands, and strong winds, the valley is an important agricultural region, particularly for vineyards and fruit production. The Vipava River, which meanders...

This image, acquired by one of the Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellites on 5 March 2025, shows Mount Teide in Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain, covered in fresh snow. Following a weekend of heavy rain and sub-zero temperatures brought by a storm system, officially known as an upper-level isolated depression (DANA), snowfall began on 2 March 2025....

Valais is a canton in southwestern Switzerland, bordering Italy to the south.  Home to some of the highest peaks in the Swiss Alps, including the famous Matterhorn, its stunning alpine landscapes and ski resorts make it a popular tourist destination. The canton is also the country’s main wine-producing region. Valais includes the valley of the...

How will snow loads change in the future? The FPCUP SNOWLOADS C3S app prototype provides data on present and future snow loads, helping users prepare for the future.

At the beginning of March 2025, a high-pressure system over Europe created stable atmospheric conditions, influencing air quality across the continent. The image on the right shows data acquired by the Copernicus Sentinel-5P satellite on 3 March 2025, highlighting nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) concentrations. Higher levels are observed over parts of...