Recent news on environmental issues

Here are some recent news updates on environmental issues:

Climate Change

• The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released a report in August 2021 warning that the world has just over a decade to take urgent action to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels and avoid the most catastrophic impacts of climate change. (Source: IPCC)
• The United States experienced its hottest summer on record in 2021, with temperatures 2.5°F (1.4°C) above the 20th-century average. (Source: NOAA)
• A study published in September 2021 found that the world's oceans have absorbed 60% more carbon dioxide than previously thought, accelerating ocean acidification and its impacts on marine life. (Source: Nature)

Wildlife and Biodiversity

• The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) released a report in August 2021 warning that up to 1 million species are at risk of extinction due to human activities, including habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change. (Source: IUCN)
• A study published in September 2021 found that the world's coral reefs have lost half of their coral cover since the 1980s, with devastating impacts on marine ecosystems and the people who depend on them. (Source: Science)
• The African elephant has been downgraded to "vulnerable" on the IUCN Red List, due to poaching and habitat loss. (Source: IUCN)

Air and Water Pollution

• The World Health Organization (WHO) released a report in September 2021 warning that air pollution is responsible for an estimated 7 million premature deaths worldwide each year. (Source: WHO)
• A study published in August 2021 found that microplastics have been detected in 83% of tap water samples from around the world, including in the United States, Europe, and Asia. (Source: Science)
• The European Union has proposed a ban on single-use plastics, including straws, cutlery, and cotton buds, to reduce marine pollution. (Source: EU)

Conservation and Sustainability

• The United States has announced plans to protect 30% of its land and 30% of its waters by 2030, in an effort to combat climate change and preserve biodiversity. (Source: White House)
• A study published in September 2021 found that a global shift to plant-based diets could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 50% and save millions of lives. (Source: Lancet)
• The city of Vancouver has become the first in North America to ban single-use plastic water bottles, in an effort to reduce waste and promote sustainability. (Source: City of Vancouver)

These are just a few examples of recent news updates on environmental issues.