environmental impact

The Great Barrier Reef has been struck by its sixth mass coral bleaching event since 2016, Australian marine authorities confirmed on Wednesday, sounding the alarm on the escalating toll of climate change on the world's largest coral reef system.

Deep below the towering peaks of the Himalayas, one of the most significant geological events in recent history is unfolding. A growing body of scientific evidence suggests that the Indian tectonic plate—the slab of Earth’s crust that supports the Indian subcontinent—is undergoing a rare and dramatic transformation. This event, known as delamination, is literally tearing the plate apart from below, with potential consequences that could reshape the region’s landscape and seismic future.

A powerful earthquake registering 7.7 on the moment magnitude scale has struck central Myanmar early this morning, with tremors also affecting parts of Thailand, including the capital, Bangkok. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reports that the quake struck near Mandalay at 6:21am GMT, and experts warn that the shallow depth of only 10km (6 miles) could result in extensive damage and a rising death toll in the affected regions.

A spectacular partial solar eclipse is set to sweep across the Northern Hemisphere this weekend, promising a mesmerizing display as the moon takes “bites” out of the sun. The event will be visible across Europe, western Africa, eastern North America, and northern Asia, with the most dramatic effect expected in the northeastern United States, Greenland, and eastern Canada.

Australia’s obsession with SUVs and oversized utes shows no signs of slowing down. In 2024, SUVs emerged as the most popular new car choice with an estimated 57% market share, while light commercial vehicles—including utes—accounted for 22% of purchases. Traditional passenger cars such as sedans and hatchbacks lagged far behind at just 17%. This dramatic shift in vehicle preferences is not only altering our roads but is also imposing a range of hidden costs on society.

Tasmania's Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has confirmed the presence of an antibiotic in fatty fish material that has been washing up on beaches in the state's south-east. This follows a significant salmon die-off event in the lower D'Entrecasteaux Channel, which has led to concerns about the broader environmental impact and potential regulatory breaches by the salmon farming industry. While the detected antibiotic levels are reportedly low and pose no immediate health risks, the EPA has announced further investigations to understand the implications of the contamination.

Australian actress Madeleine West has opened up about the emotional and physical toll of Tropical Cyclone Alfred, which has wreaked havoc on her $4.6 million home in Byron Bay. The 45-year-old star, who is heavily pregnant, shared her experience on Instagram, expressing fear and exhaustion as she braced for the storm’s impact.

A new study has raised alarming concerns about the potential consequences of melting Antarctic ice sheets on global climate patterns. According to research published on Monday, the world's most powerful ocean current, the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC), could significantly slow due to the influx of fresh water from the rapidly melting ice. This weakening of the current could lead to severe climate disruptions, including greater climate variability, more extreme weather events, and a reduction in the ocean’s ability to absorb carbon, potentially accelerating global warming.