When selecting news from the press, we prioritize good news, because as long as humanity is aware of the climate problem and seeks solutions, there is hope for a happy ending. Of course, important developments, which may sometimes be not-so-good, are not withheld. A colorful mix of both encouraging and thought-provoking. Enjoy reading!
Not-so-good: Worst wildfire year in Canada
By the end of August, it was already clear that this wildfire season in Canada had been hellish. Now the data is in, and it shows that up to 2.5 times as much forest area burned in 2023 as in previous record-breaking years. The reasons for these figures are varied, but all can be traced back to climate change. On the one hand, the high temperatures are drying out soils that are otherwise fire-resistant thanks to their moisture. Long periods without rain are intensifying the drying effect of warm temperatures. On the other hand, the fire season has lengthened, and the fires are becoming more severe due to the abundant fuel provided by dry areas. The major problem with such devastating wildfires is the release of CO2 previously stored by the forests and soils. It also threatens the habitats of various animal species, leading to food shortages and disruption of the food chain. To stop such extreme weather and prevent tipping points, a concerted effort to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions is needed. (Source: SRF)
Image: Severe forest fires are becoming more frequent and lasting longer.
Good: Fighting forest fires and illegal logging with the help of satellites
Europe was also hit by devastating forest fires last year. The EU has therefore launched a project to simplify forest firefighting. Satellite images will be used to monitor the progression of fires, allowing, for example, fire engines to be deployed more precisely and forest firebreaks to contain the fire. At the same time, illegal logging can be combated by monitoring forest areas with aerial images. This method thus contributes to the preservation of European forests, which we at NIKIN are naturally pleased about. (Source: Euronews)
Good: Insect of the Year 2024 – Bull Beetle
At the beginning of December each year, the insect of the coming year is chosen. This title is intended to draw public attention to ecologically important and often endangered insects and increase appreciation for them. The choice for 2024 fell on the bull beetle. Bull beetles feed on the feces of herbivorous animals, thereby reducing greenhouse gases from cow dung, dispersing plant seeds, and keeping parasites away from pastures. However, the selection of the insect of the year is also intended as a warning. Bull beetles suffer from the use of medications in animal husbandry, which end up in the feces. When bull beetles ingest these medications, they die or are less able to reproduce. The selection is therefore a sign of a reduction in the use of medications and increased grazing of livestock. (Source: SRF)
Not-so-good: A disappointing COP final document
The 2023 Climate Change Conference (COP 28) took place in Dubai in early December. Politicians from around the world discussed further climate protection measures for the coming year. However, the final document that emerged from the discussions lacks a strong commitment to effective climate protection. For example, it does not contain a commitment to a global phase-out of fossil fuels such as coal, gas, and oil; instead, it merely agreed to a move away from them. Compelling words? None. But although the final document is very tentative, it represents progress compared to past climate conferences – two years ago, for example, the phase-out of coal only just made it into the final document. So, it's moving in the right direction, but only very slowly and, if global politics were to be seen, probably too slow for the desired 1.5-degree target. (Source: Zeit Online)
Good: Rediscovery of the Attenborough long-beaked echidna and the Mayr honeyeater
The story of the Attenborough's long-beaked echidna is unique: Shortly after its discovery and scientific confirmation, this species of hedgehog disappeared and was thought to be extinct. The Attenborough's long-beaked echidna has now been rediscovered, living in the Indonesian province of Papua. A research team captured one of these hedgehogs foraging for food using a camera trap. In addition to other newly discovered species, the group also rediscovered a bird thought to be lost since 2008: the Mayr's honeyeater. It's not surprising that the research team has (re-)discovered so many species—New Guinea is considered the most biodiverse island in the world.
