China prepares for annual Spring Festival
Chinese Zigong is gearing up for the annual spring festival, set to start later this month. The event will, among other things, feature an exhibition depicting traditional cultural heritage elements.
China is facing devastating temperature rise in the coastal waters.
In 2024, the average temperature of China’s coastal waters hit a new peak of 21.50°C (70.7°F), marking the second consecutive year of rising temperatures. This occurred during what was recorded as the hottest year globally since tracking began.
China, recognized for its high vulnerability to climate change, is under increasing pressure to respond to rapidly evolving weather patterns and the accelerating rise in sea levels, which is happening faster than the global average. Throughout the past year, the country faced a series of extreme weather events, including the devastating Super Typhoon Yagi, which impacted southern Hainan in September, and the strongest storm to affect Shanghai since 1949.
The National Marine Environmental Forecasting Center reported that the average sea surface temperature increased by 0.15°C compared to 2023, and by 1.16°C over the "normal" reference period from 1981 to 2010. In a statement issued on its WeChat account on January 10, the center warned that the warming of oceans could lead to more frequent and severe weather events, posing growing risks to communities and industries.
The center also emphasized that ocean warming is responsible for roughly one-third of the global rise in sea levels, threatening coastal and low-lying regions with greater risks, including land erosion. Looking to the future, the center stated it would closely monitor global sea temperatures in 2025. Additionally, scientists highlighted that global temperatures in 2024 exceeded 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels for the first time, pushing the world closer to breaching the targets set by the 2015 Paris Agreement.
Highland Park resident Sabrina gives a firsthand account of fleeing the devastating Southern California wildfires, as fierce 80 mph winds drive the Eaton Fire toward residential areas. In an exclusive interview, Sabrina details her experience joining the other 130,000 displaced citizens.
Reports of a two-month halt in Azerbaijani gas supplies to Serbia are false. Despite a technical issue at Shah Deniz Alpha, Shah Deniz Bravo ensures steady exports, with supplies set to resume soon. BP confirms no damage or environmental impact.
A Cessna CJ1+ aircraft (PR-GFS) crashed while landing at Gastão Madeira State Airport (UBT) in Ubatuba, Brazil, on 9 January 2025, amidst adverse weather. The crash, which claimed the pilot’s life and injured seven others, has raised concerns over private aviation safety in Brazil.
Coast Guard divers Chuck Fox and Corey Smith from the US Cutter *Polar Star* successfully repaired a leaking shaft in the freezing waters of McMurdo Sound, Antarctica.
Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry is working with Eritrean authorities to secure the release of 18 Azerbaijani citizens detained after their vessels entered Eritrean waters on November 7, 2024, due to severe weather. The crew faces charges of unauthorized entry.
Former First Lady Michelle Obama will not attend President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on 20 January, marking a rare absence from a key ceremonial event. Former Presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton, along with their spouses, have confirmed their attendance.
Bolivia's former President Evo Morales, failed to appear for a court hearing citing medical reasons. The ex-president is under investigation for aggravated trafficking of persons lodged against him.
According to health authorities in Gaza, the death toll from Israeli airstrikes has reached 46,645, with many recent fatalities in central and southern Gaza, as calls for urgent civilian protection intensify.
Fergani Space, a Turkish space firm, has successfully launched its first satellite, the FGN-100-d1, aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket, marking a major milestone in Turkey's space endeavors.
Stay updated with the top news for January 15th in our Morning Briefing.
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