Israel and Syria agree to ceasefire, says U.S. ambassador to Türkiye
The U.S. ambassador to Türkiye says Israel and Syria have reached a ceasefire deal supported by Türkiye, Jordan, and regional actors after cross-bor...
Spanish scientists have discovered massive methane emissions from the Antarctic seabed, a potent greenhouse gas that could accelerate global warming, highlighting the environmental risks of thawing ice sheets and trapped methane hydrates.
A team of Spanish scientists aboard the Sarmiento de Gamboa vessel has made a groundbreaking discovery beneath Antarctica’s icy waters. The researchers detected significant emissions of methane, a potent greenhouse gas that is far more effective in trapping heat than carbon dioxide. These emissions, previously unknown to scientists, could have serious consequences for the planet’s climate.
The methane, which has accumulated on the seabed for approximately 20,000 years, originates from methane hydrates, a crystalline substance created by the decomposition of organic matter. Geologist Roger Urgeles from the Institute of Marine Sciences in Barcelona explained that these hydrates are comparable to ice, but they can ignite if exposed to the right conditions.
The scientists’ findings are particularly concerning given the ongoing effects of global warming in Antarctica, where temperatures have risen by over three degrees Celsius in just the past 50 years. The thinning of the Antarctic ice sheet is believed to be triggering the release of trapped methane. This phenomenon, known as postglacial rebound, could result in the rapid release of large amounts of methane from the seabed.
In the region around Antarctica, approximately 24 gigatons of carbon are estimated to be stored in methane hydrates—equivalent to the total emissions of humanity over the course of two years. This discovery highlights a potentially significant environmental threat, as the release of methane could accelerate climate change, raising global temperatures even further.
In addition to the methane threat, the researchers also identified instability in the marine sediments, which could lead to massive landslides along the continental slope. These landslides could trigger a tsunami, presenting a further danger to the environment and surrounding regions.
This finding underscores the urgent need for continued research on the environmental and geological changes taking place in polar regions. As the effects of climate change intensify, understanding the potential risks associated with thawing permafrost and methane emissions will be crucial for mitigating the long-term consequences on global ecosystems and human populations.
As Antarctica continues to experience rapid changes due to rising temperatures, the world must take note of this significant discovery and its implications for the future of our planet. The potential release of methane from the seabed adds a critical layer to the conversation surrounding climate change and the need for proactive action.
The world’s biggest dance music festival faces an unexpected setback as a fire destroys its main stage, prompting a last-minute response from organisers determined to keep the party alive in Boom, Belgium.
China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations will send an upgraded ‘version 3.0’ free-trade agreement to their heads of government for approval in October, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Saturday after regional talks in Kuala Lumpur.
Germany's export slump since 2021 is largely driven by deep-rooted competitiveness issues, the Bundesbank warned in its latest report, calling for urgent structural reforms.
Israeli researchers have unveiled an artificial intelligence tool that can determine a person’s true biological age from tiny DNA samples with remarkable precision.
Two Harry Potter actresses, Emma Watson and Zoe Wanamaker, have each received a six-month driving ban after separate speeding offences, both sentenced on the same day at a Buckinghamshire court.
China is battling an unprecedented power surge, as temperatures push electricity demand beyond 1.5 billion kilowatts. Officials warn the real test is still to come, with risks of power rationing looming.
Monsoon rains in northern India has pushed the death toll past 100, claiming the lives of 104 people in in Himachal Pradesh, injuring 189, and left 35 missing, according to officials.
The Brazilian government has responded to growing concerns over accommodation for participants of the upcoming UN Climate Change Conference, COP30, set to take place this November in the heart of the Amazon rainforest, in the city of Belém.
The International Air Transport Association on Wednesday stepped up criticism of the European Union's sustainable aviation fuel mandate as a costly initiative that is not helping the environment as regional supplies there remain low.
Brazil has announced the launch of a special electronic visa (e-visa) to facilitate international access for participants attending the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30), scheduled to be held in Belém from 6th to 21st November 2025.
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