Alarm grows as China’s mineral curbs disrupt global industry
Global tensions are rising as China’s curbs on critical mineral exports threaten to derail supply chains for automakers, defense firms, and tech giants around the world.
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.
Iranian missiles struck multiple locations across Israel and neighbouring regions early Friday morning, including a Microsoft office complex, according to emergency responders and local media reports.
A high-speed tram derailment in central Gothenburg, Sweden, has left at least eight people injured late on Thursday (19 June), after the vehicle slammed into a snack bar on Avenyn Avenue.
The 2025 G7 Leaders’ Summit was held June 15–17 in Kananaskis, Alberta, under Canada’s presidency. Prime Minister Mark Carney framed the meeting around priorities of protecting communities, energy and climate security, the digital transition, and future partnerships.
The USS Nimitz is heading to the Middle East amid tensions between Israel and Iran. The U.S. aircraft carrier has a decades-long history in the region, from the 1979 hostage crisis to modern deployments, often serving as a key asset during periods of rising friction with Iran.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for June 17th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
A 32°C heatwave expected to grip England has been made a 100 times more likely by human-caused climate change, according to a rapid scientific analysis released Thursday.
In 19 EU countries, the share of renewable energy sources in net electricity generation decreased in the first quarter of 2025 compared with the first quarter of 2024. The largest drops were recorded in Greece (-12.4%), Lithuania (-12.0%) and Slovakia (-10.6%).
The first side event of the Global South NGO Platform, initiated by Azerbaijan, was held in Bonn, Germany this week.
Egypt’s first integrated solar and battery storage plant will deliver dispatchable clean energy, enhance grid stability and manage peak demand. The project is expected to generate approximately 3,000 GWh of clean energy and avoid up to 1.4 million metric tonnes of emissions per year.
UK Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Rt Hon Rachel Reeves, has announced a record £2.5 billion in additional funding this week to advance the development of the world’s first fusion power plant.
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