environment on localnews page 59

Switzerland's glaciers are melting at an alarming rate. This is not news. But when a massive chunk of the Birch Glacier broke off, it sent a torrent of rock and ice crashing down onto the village of Blatten. The result was catastrophic. Nearly the entire village was buried under mud and debris. This

Melon Menace: Unwanted Guest in Chinese Fields

Melon is a big deal in China. It's been grown there for ages and is a favorite among locals. China is the world's top producer and consumer of melon. So, when a new problem pops up, it's a big concern. In March 2023, something unexpected happened in Guangxi, China. About 10% of 'Zhongtian No. 9'

Cilantro Crisis: The Powdery Mildew Problem in Tennessee

Cilantro is a popular herb in many kitchens. It is also known as coriander. It is part of the Apiaceae family. This herb is grown in many U. S. states, including Tennessee. It is often grown in greenhouses. In early spring of 2025, a big problem hit two greenhouses in Eagleville, Tennessee. The issu

The World's Fever: Heat Waves and Storms on the Rise

The world is in for a rough ride over the next few years. Top weather experts have a grim forecast: get ready for more intense heat waves and stronger storms. The chance of breaking annual temperature records is high. There is an 80% likelihood that the world will shatter another temperature record

Future Forecast: The Heat is On

The world is in for a scorching few years, according to leading weather experts. There is a significant chance that the next five years will see record-breaking temperatures. This means that the planet will experience more intense and frequent extreme weather events. Scientists have been crunching

Fungi's Hidden Role in Lake Health

Lakes around the world are under siege from a silent invader: cyanobacteria. These tiny, blue-green algae can multiply rapidly, creating harmful blooms that choke out other life forms and disrupt ecosystems. While much attention is given to bacteria in these scenarios, fungi are often overlooked. Ye

Holly's Historic Dam: A Battle for Preservation

The Holly Dam and its mill pond are facing a tough situation. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has some concerns. They want the dam repaired or removed. This has not gone down well with the locals. The dam has been a part of Holly for a long time. It's more tha

China's Digital Shift: Boosting Eco-Tourism

Digital technology is booming in China. However, the eco-tourism sector is lagging behind. So, how can the digital boom help eco-tourism catch up? This question is important for balancing growth between these two areas. A recent study dug into this question. It looked at how the digital economy and

The Corn Belt: A Modern Obstacle for Flying Birds

May 27, 2025

The journey of migrating landbirds is anything but easy. These birds have to adjust their flight paths and resting habits to safely cross tough terrains, like the Gulf of Mexico or the Sahara Desert. But there's a new challenge in town, one that humans have created. The Corn Belt in the Midwest Unit