New research has uncovered compelling evidence of cosmic 'touchdown airbursts' in deep-sea cores from Baffin Bay, off Greenland. These findings, linked to the Younger Dryas Impact Hypothesis, suggest that cometary fragments exploded above Earth approximately 12,800 years ago, potentially triggering a global cooling event and significant environmental changes.
Industry experts, including the China National Petroleum Corp (CNPC) and Sinopec, forecast China's oil demand will peak by 2030, with some predicting an earlier peak by 2027. This significant shift is primarily driven by the rapid adoption of electric vehicles and substantial investments in new energy sources, aligning with the nation's 15th Five-Year Plan.
The Asian Development Bank has approved a $10 million financing package for the Responsible Forestry Project Phase I in the Lao People's Democratic Republic. This initiative aims to combat forest degradation, enhance climate resilience, and improve livelihoods for forest-dependent communities, marking ADB's first forestry investment in Laos in a decade.
French farmers have escalated protests across the country, blocking motorways and access to ski resorts, to voice strong opposition to the EU-Mercosur free-trade agreement. Citing concerns over unfair competition and differing production standards, unions have called for the deal's rejection, leading to a postponement of the crucial vote.
The Government of Canada has chosen the Canadian Climate Institute to spearhead the creation of made-in-Canada sustainable investment guidelines. These voluntary guidelines, known as a taxonomy, aim to mobilize private capital for the net-zero transition by clearly defining 'green' and 'transition' investments, fostering clarity for financial markets and supporting Canada's climate goals.
Dense fog has caused significant disruption to IndiGo flights across major Indian airports, particularly in North and East India, leading to numerous cancellations and delays. Passengers are advised to check flight statuses and allow extra travel time as visibility remains low.
Recent rainfall on Iran's Hormuz Island has once again turned its famed Red Beach into a striking crimson landscape as iron-rich soil flowed into the Persian Gulf. This natural phenomenon, caused by high concentrations of hematite, regularly draws tourists and photographers to the 'Rainbow Island'.
Spain is preparing for a significant winter storm, with meteorologists, including Jorge Rey, forecasting widespread rain, a sharp drop in temperatures, and potential heavy snowfall across various regions. The Spanish State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has also issued warnings, anticipating a decidedly wintery pattern leading up to Christmas.
The White House has announced plans to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in Boulder, Colorado, citing 'climate alarmism.' The move, confirmed by OMB Director Russell Vought, has drawn strong criticism from scientists and lawmakers concerned about its impact on weather forecasting and climate research.
India's Lok Sabha has passed the landmark Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill, 2025. This legislation ends the state's decades-long monopoly, allowing private Indian and international firms to invest in, build, and operate civil nuclear power plants, aiming to boost energy capacity and meet climate goals. The bill also overhauls the nuclear liability framework.
Germany's Federal Network Agency (Bundesnetzagentur) has announced reduced price ceilings for rooftop solar and onshore wind tenders scheduled for 2026. The new caps are set at €0.10 per kWh for rooftop solar and €0.0725 per kWh for onshore wind, reflecting decreased costs and high competition in the renewable energy sector.
A recent IMF Technical Assistance Report on Luxembourg's pension projections indicates strong short-term forecasting accuracy but warns of significant long-term sustainability challenges. The report, published in December 2025, calls for timely reforms, including adjusting the retirement age and re-evaluating contribution rates, to address future demographic pressures.
A four-story building under construction at the New Ahobilam Temple of Protection in Redcliffe, Durban, collapsed on Friday, December 12, 2025, resulting in five fatalities. Minister Dean Macpherson visited the site, pledging support for rescue efforts and a thorough investigation into the illegal structure.
Archaeologists in Iznik, Turkey, have unearthed a rare 3rd-century fresco depicting Jesus as the 'Good Shepherd' in an underground tomb at the Hisardere Necropolis. This significant find offers unique insights into early Christian art and the transition from paganism in Anatolia.
A powerful winter storm swept across the US Northeast and Midwest on December 13-14, 2025, dumping heavy snow, causing over 1,000 flight delays and 100 cancellations, and leading to at least four fatalities. The storm was followed by an arctic blast, bringing dangerously low temperatures and wind chills to millions.
Spain's meteorological agency, AEMET, has issued a red weather alert for parts of Valencia and Andalucia as Storm Emilia brings torrential rain and a severe risk of flooding. Forecasts indicate rainfall could exceed 250mm in Valencia and 120mm in Almeria, prompting warnings of 'extreme risk' to life and flash floods.
Groundbreaking research led by the University of Ottawa reveals that variations in Earth's mantle temperature beneath Greenland significantly contribute to the uneven melting of its ice sheet. This discovery, detailed in new 3D models, enhances understanding of ice-bedrock interactions and improves predictions for future sea level rise.
São Paulo's Civil Defense has issued a four-day storm alert for intense rain, strong winds, and potential hail across the state, starting Saturday, December 13th. The warning comes as the region grapples with widespread power outages from recent severe weather, raising concerns about further disruptions.
Delhi has reinstated strict GRAP-3 anti-pollution measures following a sharp deterioration in its air quality, which entered the 'severe' category. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) implemented the curbs on December 13, 2025, banning non-essential construction, restricting certain vehicles, and advising hybrid learning for schools.
Iceland has committed to achieving fossil fuel-free domestic flights by 2040, aligning with its broader carbon neutrality goals. This ambitious target is supported by investments in sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) produced from green hydrogen and the planned adoption of electric and hydrogen-powered aircraft for its short domestic routes.
