The UN's Cop17 desertification talks in Mongolia will allocate over $12bn to vulnerable countries to combat drought and land degradation, as global heatwaves and wildfires intensify, threatening food security for millions.
About 980 million people in the Northern Hemisphere will have the chance to observe an upcoming solar eclipse on Wednesday, offering researchers a rare opportunity to study the sun's corona.
Europe experienced record-breaking heat in July 2026, with Austria setting a new July peak. Meanwhile, Vancouver recorded its wettest July in years. Typhoon Dolphin, the fifth Category 5 cyclone of 2026, rapidly intensified over warm Pacific waters and is forecast to make landfall in Japan as a weaker but still damaging storm.
An international study of 724 Northern Hemisphere lakes reveals that winter ice cover is disappearing faster than expected, with a projected loss of 40 days by 2100 under high emissions. The research identifies critical temperature thresholds, above which ice loss accelerates sharply, particularly due to faster spring melting.
The next Women’s Football World Cup is scheduled for the northern hemisphere summer in Brazil, with 14 teams already qualified. Spain, the current top-ranked team and 2023 champions, are highlighted. Organizers, including Fifa and Brazil, are working to ensure a successful tournament with full stadiums.
UK MPs are demanding the full publication of a spy report detailing catastrophic national security risks from overseas ecosystem collapse, including food shortages and potential conflict. The government's refusal to release the report, despite a third heatwave, has drawn criticism.
Despite escalating global heatwaves and scientific warnings, major oil companies are planning significant increases in fossil fuel production, prioritizing shareholder profits over climate goals. This expansion contradicts Paris Agreement targets and exacerbates the climate crisis.
The new Nations Championship, a rugby Test competition, begins this weekend, pitting Northern Hemisphere teams (Six Nations, Fiji, Japan) against Southern Hemisphere giants (South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, Argentina). A play-off event in November at Twickenham will crown the inaugural winner and a parallel hemisphere champion.
A severe heatwave is affecting Europe, with temperatures approaching 40°C. Italy has issued red alerts for eight cities, while Rome sees pilgrims seeking shade. The heat is attributed to a Saharan air mass and a "heat dome" effect.
Europe is experiencing a severe heatwave with temperatures approaching 40°C, causing transport disruptions and straining wildlife and tourist sites. Italy has issued red alerts for eight cities, while Rome sees pilgrims seeking shade during papal prayers. The heat is attributed to a Saharan air mass and an 'African anticyclone' creating a 'heat dome' over the region.
Over 20,000 people celebrated the summer solstice at Stonehenge, with access extended. The event has evolved from anarchic gatherings to managed entry since the 1980s, with modern celebrations now requiring pre-paid booking and shuttle buses.
Mongolia's permafrost is rapidly thawing due to climate change, impacting local ecosystems, herder livelihoods, and releasing greenhouse gases. This transformation offers crucial insights into global permafrost dynamics and future Arctic conditions.
A black-headed gull spotted in Geraldton, Western Australia, has ignited excitement among Australian birders, known as 'twitchers.' This event, alongside the recent sighting of a Cocos booby in New South Wales, highlights the dedication of birdwatchers who travel extensively to add rare species to their lists.
George North, one of Wales' greatest try-scorers with 47 international touchdowns, has announced his retirement from all rugby at the end of this season. The 34-year-old, who earned 121 caps for Wales and featured in four World Cups, made his debut at 18 and became the youngest Welshman to score on Test debut. North famously starred for the British & Irish Lions in 2013 with iconic moments against Australia in Brisbane and Melbourne, including a memorable fireman's lift tackle on Israel Folau.
