World’s joint hottest month pushes temperatures 1.65°C above pre industrial levels; Europe records hottest summer ever

August 2026 tied July 2023 as the world’s hottest month on record, with temperatures reaching 1.65°C above pre-industrial levels. Europe also recorded its hottest summer ever. These high temperatures showed the growing intensity of climate extremes, as ocean temperatures reached a record 21.07°C, adding to evidence of a warmer global climate.

Nature is 'reclaiming' the land: A Norfolk farm proves just how fast we can heal the planet.

In 2019, a Norfolk farm began giving 500 acres of marginal farmland back to nature; three years later, average plant diversity had doubled and ex-arable plots rose from 7 to 32 species. Naturalists used grazing animals to help the land recover. These findings showed how quickly biodiversity can return naturally.

Nepal flash floods wash away illusions of clean, easy hydropower

The August 26 flash floods in Nepal killed more than a thousand people and damaged many hydroelectric projects. Experts said, "Himalayan rivers in the monsoon carry exceptionally high sediment loads." These heavy sediments now threaten infrastructure design. The disaster showed that climate change risks demand more resilience for future development.

August was joint-hottest month ever recorded globally

August 2026 tied with July 2023 as the joint-hottest month ever recorded globally, scientists said on Thursday. Temperatures reached 1.65C above preindustrial levels. Experts warned that fossil fuel use drives this heat. UN climate chief Simon Stiell said, "Extreme heat has been killing millions and costing trillions, hitting transport and health systems."

Harike desilting plan hits wildlife roadblock

The Punjab wildlife department blocked the proposed desilting of Harike Wetland, citing its status as a protected sanctuary. The State Technical Advisory Committee met on Tuesday and decided to forward the plan to the National Board for Wildlife. Krishan Kumar said, "the state needed to explore viable options for desilting."

Three Greens senators to cross floor amid internal brawl over contentious koala park plan

Three Greens senators will cross the floor on Thursday afternoon to oppose a deal allowing big industry to use a new koala national park in New South Wales for carbon offsets. While the party decided to back the plan, the three senators said they would vote according to their consciences.

Wild horses return to Spain after 10,000 years to 'heal' a fire-prone landscape

Przewalski's horses are roaming Spain's Iberian Highlands again after an absence of more than 10,000 years. Rewilding Spain released the animals in Villanueva de Alcorón to graze and reduce forest biomass. The group said the horses "reduce forest biomass available in the area," helping to prevent wildfires and support local biodiversity.

Multilateral system straining under fractured geopolitics: Guterres warns at 81st UNGA session

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that the multilateral system is straining under geopolitical mistrust at the 81st UNGA session on September 10. He said, "Rebuilding trust in the multilateral system is the defining challenge of our time." Guterres highlighted how conflicts and climate change now threaten global international cooperation.

Delhi LG, CM review pollution control measures

Lieutenant governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu and chief minister Rekha Gupta reviewed Delhi’s air pollution measures on Wednesday. They directed officials to strengthen monitoring across 47 hot spots before winter. “Pollution mitigation measures must be monitored in a measurable and time-bound manner,” Gupta said. Teams will now hold weekly review meetings.

Mann seeks CII support for crop residue management

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann met a CII delegation to discuss better crop residue management. He said, “It is imperative for the Punjab government and CII to join hands on this thrust area to check environmental pollution.” The state wants new technology to help farmers and keep Punjab green.

Community steps in as monsoon waste chokes Meenachil

Community members started a cleaning drive to remove monsoon waste choking the Meenachil river. Pala municipality joined local groups to clear debris at the Kalariyamakkal Kadavu check dam. Maya Rahul said, "If the waste is not removed, bacterial levels could increase as it decomposes." The effort continues in phases.

Western Hawaii islands survey damage after Hurricane Lowell passes by

Hurricane Lowell caused significant damage on Hawaii's western islands on Tuesday, knocking out power for thousands. Fierce winds downed trees and ripped up roads across Kauai. "There was extensive damage across Kauai," said mayor Derek Kawakami. Crews are now clearing debris as authorities assess the destruction left by the storm.