Tag

Urbanization

All articles tagged with #urbanization

science2 days ago•55 min saved

Global Night Lights Pulse: Rapid Brightening and Dimming Across the Planet (2014–2022)

A global analysis using daily NASA Black Marble night-time lights and continuous change detection (2014–2022) shows that artificial illumination is highly volatile, with locations undergoing multiple abrupt or gradual changes. The study finds 2.05 million km2 of abrupt ALAN changes and 19.04 million km2 of gradual changes, totaling far more area affected by changes than previously thought. Net radiance rose about 16% since 2014, driven by brightening (34% of the 2014 baseline) that outpaced dimming (−18%). Regions experience both directions of change, driven by factors such as urban expansion, rural electrification, gas-flaring reductions, and energy access disruptions. Asia (notably China and India) accounts for the largest cumulative change, Europe shows pronounced dimming linked to regulations, and some regions (e.g., Venezuela) dim due to economic collapse. The work challenges the view that night-time lights only steadily intensify and highlights the need to consider bidirectional, high-frequency dynamics for policy, energy transitions, and ecological implications. Open datasets and code accompany the work for global ALAN change mapping and analysis.

via Nature|

#artificial-light-at-night #global-change #nighttime-lights

environment3 months ago•53 min saved

Global Plastic Waste Burning in Households: A Hidden Health Crisis

The article investigates the widespread practice of burning plastic waste as household fuel in low-income urban communities across the Global South, highlighting its prevalence, drivers such as inadequate waste management and energy poverty, and associated health and environmental risks, while emphasizing the need for improved waste systems and clean energy access to mitigate this issue.

via Nature|

#environment #global-south #household-fuel

environment8 months ago•2 min saved

Urban Green Spaces Essential for Pollinator Conservation

Research in UK cities shows urbanization significantly reduces pollinator diversity, especially moths and hover flies, which are more sensitive than bees. To support these vital insects, gardeners are encouraged to create diverse habitats and collaborate with neighbors to form larger ecological networks, helping urban ecosystems thrive.

via The Guardian|

#biodiversity #environment #hover-flies

environment9 months ago•5 min saved

Hanoi: The Earth's Most Polluted City with Concrete Air

Hanoi, Vietnam's rapidly growing capital, has become the world's most polluted city due to intense urbanization, industrial activity, and construction, with air quality often reaching hazardous levels, primarily caused by vehicle emissions, cement production, and dust from construction zones, despite government efforts to implement stricter environmental policies.

via NBC News|

#air-pollution #concrete #environment

science10 months ago•1 min saved

Ancient urbanization sparked the rise of humanity's first pest, bedbugs

A new study reveals that bedbugs diverged into two lineages thousands of years ago, with one adapting to humans as they moved into cities, leading to a significant rise in infestations, especially after pesticide resistance developed in recent decades.

via The Independent|

#bedbugs #genetics #human-evolution

demographics1 year ago•7 min saved

"World's Fastest Declining City Revealed"

Nagasaki, Japan, has been identified as the fastest-declining metro area in the world, with a population decrease of 3.43% from 2020 to 2024. This decline is attributed to factors such as industrial decline, low fertility rates, and an aging population. The global population trends indicate that while some regions are experiencing growth, others, particularly in Asia and Europe, are seeing declines due to various socio-economic factors.

via Yahoo Finance|

#demographics #fertility-rates #japan

asia-pacific1 year ago•2 min saved

"Deadly Fires in India Expose Severe Safety Lapses"

Two deadly fires in India, one in a New Delhi neonatal clinic and another in a Rajkot amusement park, have exposed significant gaps in the country's fire safety measures. The incidents, which claimed at least 34 lives, highlight systemic issues such as poor building safety compliance, inadequate fire services, and lack of enforcement of fire regulations. Despite political leaders' condolences and promises of inquiries, experts argue that meaningful systemic change remains elusive.

via The New York Times|

#asia-pacific #disasters #fire-safety

environment2 years ago•2 min saved

"Rapid Sinking: The Growing Threat to China's Major Cities"

A study using nationwide satellite data found that nearly half of China's major cities are experiencing moderate to severe subsidence, with 16% of urban land sinking at more than 10 mm per year. This poses a significant risk of flooding, especially as sea levels rise, and could affect millions of people. The issue is driven by declining water tables and the weight of the built environment, costing China billions in annual losses. The problem is not limited to China, with other countries also at risk, and experts emphasize the need for both mitigation and adaptation measures to address this global challenge.

via NBC News|

#china #environment #flooding

environment2 years ago•2 min saved

"Rapid Sinking: The Peril Facing China's Major Cities"

A study using nationwide satellite data has revealed that nearly half of China's major cities are experiencing "moderate to severe" levels of subsidence, with 16% of urban land sinking at a rate of more than 10 mm per year. This poses a significant risk of flooding, especially as sea levels continue to rise. The issue, driven by declining water tables and the weight of the built environment, is costing China billions in annual losses and could affect hundreds of millions of people within the next century. The problem is not unique to China, as other countries, including Indonesia, are also facing similar challenges. Mitigation and adaptation strategies, such as those implemented in Tokyo, will be crucial for addressing this widespread issue.

via Reuters|

#china #climate-change #environment

environment2 years ago•3 min saved

"Rapid Sinking: The Growing Threat to China's Urban Land and Population"

A new study reveals that nearly half of major cities in China are sinking, posing a significant threat to the urban population as subsidence exacerbates flooding related to sea level rise from climate change. With nearly one third of China's urban population residing in sinking areas, the risk to tens of millions of people is already apparent, and could grow to hundreds of millions if current trends persist. The study, conducted by over 50 Chinese scientists, highlights the urgent need for measures to prevent and reverse subsidence, such as regulating groundwater removal and making informed urban planning decisions.

via NPR|

#china #climate-change #environment

businesseconomy2 years ago•4 min saved

China's Premier Unveils Action Plan to Boost Foreign Investment

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang announced that the government is working to remove barriers for foreign companies, addressing issues such as market access and cross-border data flow. He emphasized the potential of urbanization to boost domestic consumer spending and highlighted the country's economic growth and plans for industrial development. The government aims to expand urban residency and provide greater opportunities for businesses, while also focusing on green energy and new energy sources. Foreign business leaders were assured of China's interest in foreign investment and hi-tech firms, as the country seeks to revive confidence in its economy.

via South China Morning Post|

#businesseconomy #china #economic-development

environment2 years ago•5 min saved

"Wildlife Care: Paris Animal Hospital's Citywide Mission"

Faune Alfort, the only hospital in the Paris region that cares for all wild animals, has seen a record number of wildlife casualties due to urbanization and climate change. The hospital provides medical care and rehabilitation for injured and sick animals, aiming to release them back into suitable habitats with minimal human interaction. The hospital relies on donations and sponsorships to support its operations and emphasizes the need for humans to coexist with wildlife in urban areas while minimizing their impact on the environment.

via The Washington Post|

#animal-hospital #conservation #environment

health-and-environment2 years ago•3 min saved

"Nature's Impact: How Living Closer to Nature Benefits Older Adults"

A study from Washington State University suggests that living closer to green and blue spaces can benefit older adults' mental and physical health. The research found that even small increases in nature near one's home can lead to improved mental and general health. The study focused on the relationship between serious psychological distress and proximity to green and blue spaces, and the findings suggest that exposure to nature could help prevent, delay, or treat poor mental health in older adults. The researchers hope their work will help adults from lower socioeconomic backgrounds feel better in old age, especially since such individuals usually have unequal access to green and blue spaces in urban areas.

via Study Finds|

#green-spaces #health-and-environment #mental-health

economy2 years ago•4 min saved

India's Economy Takes Flight, Following China's Lead

India's economy is projected to be the world's fastest-growing major economy in 2023 and 2024, with a forecasted increase of over 6% in both years. The country's economic and demographic similarities to China in the late 1990s and early 2000s suggest the potential for two more decades of rapid sustained growth. However, India faces challenges such as severe air pollution and the need to bridge the gap in energy consumption compared to China and advanced economies. Despite these challenges, India's urbanization, industrialization, and rising middle class are expected to drive significant demand for energy services, making it a key player in global energy consumption and emissions.

via Reuters|

#economy #energy-consumption #growth

health2 years ago•6 min saved

"Mosquito Menace: Ethiopia's Building Boom Fuels Malaria-Carrying Invasion"

A study published in The Lancet Planetary Health reveals that the invasive Anopheles stephensi mosquito, which carries malaria, is thriving in urban environments in Africa, posing a major threat to urban populations. The mosquito has been detected in several African countries and has already caused urban outbreaks of malaria. The study focused on the city of Jigjiga in Ethiopia, where the mosquito primarily exploits habitats associated with construction, such as manmade pits used to store water at construction sites and brick-making facilities. Targeting these sites for control during the dry season could help mitigate malarial outbreaks. The arrival of stephensi in Africa, where malaria is predominantly a rural disease, requires different surveillance and control methods than those used in rural areas.

via Phys.org|

#construction #ethiopia #health