Environment

Face masks pose new threat to wildlife

Campaigners are urging people to use more washable masks and bin disposables properly after cutting off their straps.

Warming Arctic, heating tensions

The Arctic has a long history of industrial and commercial activities. Here’s how climate change is affecting its ecosystem, resource management tools and security politics.

Plastics aren’t going anywhere. Should Turkey stop importing them?

After China’s refusal to take in the world’s plastic waste, Turkey and a few other countries have stepped in. With the environment being the biggest victim, Turkey is now eyeing zero plastic imports.

Natural World Heritage sites threatened by climate change, IUCN warns

At least 33 percent of natural World Heritage sites are threatened by climate change, the UN observer body says. These sites include the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, the world’s largest coral reef.

South Korean hiker turns trash into art with inspiring messages

A South Korean hiker formed a group dedicated to picking up trash from mountain parks and turning the collection into art.

Utility says its equipment may have sparked California blaze

A smoky fire exploded in size to over 29 square kilometres after breaking out around dawn in Orange County, south of Los Angeles.

More fires in California wine country prompt thousands to evacuate

The fires that began early morning on Sunday in the famed Napa-Sonoma wine country north of San Francisco came on the third anniversary of deadly wildfires that erupted in 2017, including one that killed 22 people.

EU chief sets tougher climate, digital investment targets

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen tells lawmakers her new ambitious plan of cutting 55 percent emissions by 2030 should help the European Union achieve climate neutrality by 2050.

Oil tanker burning off the coast of Sri Lanka leaves 1km-long oil slick

The blaze was finally brought under control, but a trail of diesel has been spilled across the sea.

Evacuations in California after 'fire on all sides'

At least eight people have been killed and some 3,300 structures have been destroyed over the past three weeks in wildfires across the state.

Bad weather could spark more wildfires in California

Firefighters are for nearly a week battling three huge complexes of fires that destroyed hundreds of homes and forced tens of thousands to flee.

Mauritius says almost all oil removed from damaged Japanese ship

The MV Wakashio, owned by Nagashiki Shipping and operated by Mitsui OSK Lines Ltd, began leaking oil after it struck a reef and went aground off the Indian Ocean island's southeast coast on July 25.