This year is “virtually certain” to eclipse 2023 as the world’s warmest since records began, likely averaging 1.55C to above pre-industrial levels, the EU earth observation agency said. The record heat has primarily been fuelled by climate change, Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) said, turbo-charging dangerous weather like deadly flooding in Spain, ferocious hurricanes Helene and Milton in the US ...
Vampire bats have been put on a treadmill as a study showed the special way they use blood for energy – as well as how quickly they can run. Footage shows one bat using its wings to sprint along inside a plastic box at up to 30 metres per minute. The vampire bat is one of only a few species ...
The world’s first wooden satellite has been launched into space. The satellite, designed by Japanese researchers, was launched on Tuesday. Experts hope to test how timber can be used in the exploration of the moon and Mars. LignoSat will be flown to the International Space Station (ISS) on a SpaceX mission before it’s released into Earth’s orbit. Takao Doi, an ...
Prince William is continuing his visit to South Africa while wearing a symbol of why his fight for the environment is so personal. Since he flew into Cape Town on Monday, he’s been spotted at engagements wearing a beaded bracelet with the word “papa” spelt out on it – the name his children call him. His daughter Princess Charlotte is ...
Two more cases of a new strain of mpox have been detected in the UK, officials say. Last week, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said a single case of the mpox virus variant Clade 1b had been confirmed in London. The agency has now announced a further two cases – in household contacts of the first case. The two ...
People who are unmarried may be around 80% more likely to be experiencing depression than those who are married, new research suggests. The study found the risk of depression for unmarried people could be higher in men and those who had more education. Scientists suggest the findings may help with the identification of people who are at higher risk of ...
Prince William says he ‘found comfort’ in Africa as he prepares for ‘Super Bowl moment’ in Cape Town
From his difficult teenage years to his marriage proposal, Prince William has talked about the importance of Africa in his life journey so far as he prepares to fly to Cape Town for his annual Earthshot Awards. The Prince will spend next week in South Africa, but wants to celebrate the efforts of the entire African continent when it comes ...
It’s 13 December 2023. Excited reports of a “landmark” global climate agreement reverberate around the world from the COP28 climate summit in Dubai. At around 11am, weary diplomats with circles under their eyes from fierce, all-night negotiations cheer, cry and hug. The US’s climate envoy John Kerry throws his arms around German foreign minister Annalena Baerbock. There’s a round of ...
The NHS has begun trialling a new iPhone adapter which can check whether someone has throat cancer. It is hoped the device will allow thousands of patients to be given the all-clear from the disease within hours – rather than days or weeks – as well as helping to detect cases early. People suspected of having throat cancer are usually ...
More than 200 people have died in Spain after nearly a year’s worth of rain fell in a matter of hours. On Friday, there were at least 205 confirmed deaths in Valencia, two in Castilla La Mancha, and one in Andalusia. Local authorities issued warnings late on Tuesday, but many say this gave them next-to-no time to prepare for the ...