Global waters face oxygen crisis
Scientists are warning that oxygen levels in Earth's oceans, lakes, rivers, and coastal waters are declining at an alarming rate, threatening aquatic ecosystems and the climate regulation services they provide. This widespread deoxygenation is closely connected to other planetary threats including warming temperatures, pollution, biodiversity loss, and ocean acidification. Oxygen-depleted zones are expanding in both coastal areas and the open ocean.
Wildfires force mass evacuations in southern France
Thousands of residents and tourists fled their homes as wildfires raged across pine forests in southern France, driven by extreme temperatures gripping Southern Europe. Spain and France are both battling blazes as a heatwave pushes temperatures to dangerous levels. Europe is the world's fastest-warming continent, and scientists say human-driven climate change is increasing the intensity of heatwaves, droughts, and wildfires across the region.
Tropical Storm Bertha hits Louisiana
Tropical Storm Bertha made landfall in Louisiana with 45 mph winds, bringing heavy rainfall and flooding to parts of the Gulf Coast. At least two people were reported missing in West Virginia after torrential rain caused flash flooding. Meanwhile, Hurricane Fausto formed in the eastern Pacific Ocean. Forecasters predict an above-average Atlantic hurricane season due to warm ocean temperatures.