Document summarizes the global water cycle in 2024, identifying key trends and analyzing significant hydrological events. The report provides updated metrics on precipitation, temperature, air humidity, river flows, and water stored in lakes, soil, and underground. It also provides an overview of extreme precipitation and temperature events. The report highlights a clear message: As the planet warms, water problems are escalating year by year.

The main aspects of the water cycle in 2024 on the global land were:

• Precipitation over land was close to the 1995–2005 average. Extremely dry months have become increasingly common in recent decades, with 38 % more record dry months in 2024 than in the base period.
• Daily precipitation extremes were 52 % more common in 2024 than in 1995–2005, with record daily rainfall recorded in West Africa, Europe and Asia. It was recorded significant increasing trend of 4 % per decade over land.
• The average temperature over land was the highest recorded globally and in 111 countries, and globally 1.2°C higher than the 1995–2005 average. The frequency of record-breaking warm months was the highest since 1979.
• A decreasing trend was recorded in the relative humidity of the air over the mainland. Humidity was very low in South America and Central Africa in 2024.
• The extent of surface water over land was close to average. Since 2003, there has been increasing trend in record high monthly water area worldwide by 3 % per decade.
• Water levels in lakes and reservoirs around the world have fallen for the fifth year in a row, with unprecedented low levels recorded in South America and record highs in Africa.
• Groundwater reserves – groundwater and surface water, ice and snow combined – report in 2024 continue to be low in most dry regions of the world, but a strong increase in West, Central and East Africa.

In 2024, water-related disasters caused more than 8,700 deaths, displaced 40 million people and caused economic losses exceeding $550 billion worldwide, with the actual numbers likely higher due to incomplete data and events not reported.

The document further discusses in detail individual hydrological events, such as floods in Afghanistan and Pakistan, Typhoon Yagi in Southeast Asia, floods in Bangladesh, landslides in India, floods in southern China, etc. The report also analyzes the impact of climate change on these events and points to the increasing risk of extreme weather events in the future.

The document concludes with an outlook for 2025. Hydrological conditions at the beginning of 2025 indicate that Droughts are potentially developing or intensifying in northern South America, southern Africa, North Africa, Central Asia, parts of North America and Western AustraliaRegions such as the Sahel, the Horn of Africa, Europe and most of Asia are relatively humid and may face a greater risk of flooding than drought.

Ongoing climate change increases the potential for extreme weather events, including flash floods, flash droughts, intense storms and heat waves in many regions in 2025.

The document highlights the importance of reliable and up-to-date information on water resources and hazards. Satellite observations currently play a key role, offering rapid and consistent global data on the atmosphere and the Earth's surface, but they should not replace ground networks. JaroR 

The European Commission's call for proposals supports transnational, structured, result-oriented projects in which partners share common goals and work together to promote innovation, new skills, a sense of initiative and an entrepreneurial mindset.

Call ID: ERASMUS-EDU-2025-PI-ALL-INNO-EDU-ENTERP

goal(s)

The Innovation Alliance aims to strengthen Europe's innovation capacity by supporting innovation through cooperation and knowledge flows between higher education, vocational education and training (both initial and continuing) and the wider socio-economic environment, including research.

They also aim to support the provision of new skills and address skills mismatches by designing and developing new curricula for higher education (HE) and vocational education and training (VET), thereby supporting the development of a sense of initiative and an entrepreneurial mindset in the EU.

More on eufundingportal.eu

Call for proposals under the Eurogia2030 project for organizations that collaborate internationally on research and development of low-carbon technology projects to support economic and social growth.

goal(s)

The aim of this call for proposals is to stimulate activity in this important area by creating international collaborative projects in applications that will support economic growth and benefit society as a whole.

Eligibility

Eureka has limited eligibility criteria for organizations participating in Clusters:

• Your project idea must represent international cooperation in the form of a concrete project.

• The project must be focused on the research or development of an innovative product, process or service with the aim of commercialization.

• The project must have a civilian purpose.

• Your consortium must include at least two independent legal entities from at least two Eureka countries.

• No single organization or country can be responsible for more than 70% of the project budget.

More on eufundingportal.eu

The DESTINY project, which aims to develop AI-powered tools to make climate and health research evidence synthesis faster, cheaper and more useful, is recruiting for three positions.

The transition to a greener economy is essential if the European Union (EU) wants to meet its climate goals while protecting its economy and citizens from the consequences of climate change. (viac…)

Despite international commitments to reduce emissions of ultra-potent greenhouse gases such as HFC-23, current measurements suggest that their emissions are up to five times higher than what governments report, underscoring shortcomings in monitoring and implementing climate policies designed to limit global warming.

What is HFC-23 and why is it problematic?

HFC-23 (hydrofluorocarbon) is a by-product of the production of refrigerants used in air conditioning and refrigeration systems. This gas has a global warming potential (GWP) 12,400 times greater than carbon dioxide (CO₂), making it one of the most potent greenhouse gases on Earth.

HFC-23 is considered a waste product that should be properly captured and disposed of to prevent it from escaping into the atmosphere. Many countries have committed to eliminating its emissions under the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, but current data suggests that these commitments are only partially being met.

Global HFC-23 Emissions: Reality vs. Reports

According to atmospheric measurements conducted by the Global Monitoring Laboratory, HFC-23 emissions are approximately five times higher than those reported by individual countries. For example:

• In 2022, global HFC-23 emissions reached an estimated 15 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent, with official reports declaring less than 3 million tonnes.
• The largest producers of this gas are countries with developed chemical industries, such as China and India, but accurate data is lacking.

Why do commitments fail?

Despite clear goals to phase out HFC-23, several key issues have emerged:

1. Insufficient monitoring:
   Countries often lack effective systems to track and verify their emissions, and most data is based on estimates, not actual measurements.
2. Economic costs:
   The phase-out of HFC-23 requires investments in special technologies, which are financially difficult for some countries.
3. Lack of transparency:
   Some governments and companies do not provide accurate information about their emissions practices, making international monitoring difficult.
4. Insufficient implementation of agreements:
   The Kigali Amendment, adopted in 2016, aims to phase down the use of HFCs. However, not all countries have met their commitments within the set timeframes.

Consequences of the continued HFC-23 leak

1. Faster global warming:
   The high GWP of HFC-23 means that even relatively small amounts of this gas can contribute significantly to global warming. If emissions are not reduced, the likelihood of exceeding the critical warming limit of 1.5°C will approach.
2. Increasing adaptation costs:
   The consequences of climate change, such as more frequent floods, droughts and extreme temperatures, will require greater investment in adaptation measures.
3. Undermining trust in international agreements:
   If countries fail to meet their commitments, it could undermine confidence in future climate agreements and slow progress in global cooperation.

Possible solutions

1. Improving monitoring systems:
   Using more accurate atmospheric measurements combined with satellite technologies can help to accurately identify sources of HFC-23 emissions.
2. Increase in funding:
   Richer countries could provide financial support to developing countries to implement technologies to phase out HFC-23.
3. Stricter control and sanctions:
   International organizations, such as the UN, could impose stricter sanctions on countries that fail to comply with their commitments.
4. Support for innovation:
   Investments in research and development can bring about new, cheaper and more efficient ways to dispose of HFC-23 and other harmful gases.

The release of HFC-23 into the atmosphere is a warning sign that international agreements are not enough without adequate monitoring and implementation. If we want to avoid the worst consequences of climate change, we need greater transparency, financing and cooperation between countries. The years we have to reduce these emissions are quickly running out – it is time to act. Spring

Antarctica, the coldest continent on Earth, has long been considered an inhospitable land covered in ice and snow. Its white, pristine landscape has been a symbol of eternal winter and freezing silence. However, in recent decades, the Antarctic Peninsula has undergone dramatic changes that have alarmed the scientific community worldwide. Places that were once covered in snow year-round are now turning green, indicating profound ecological changes caused by global warming.

Rising temperatures on the Antarctic Peninsula

The Antarctic Peninsula, jutting northwestward from South America, is one of the fastest-warming places on the planet. Since the mid-20th century, the region’s average annual temperature has risen by about 2.5°C. That’s more than five times the global average warming of about 0.5°C over the same period. In 2020, Antarctica recorded a record temperature of 18.3°C at Esperanza Station, highlighting the region’s radical climate change.

Melting ice and exposing soil

Rising temperatures are causing widespread melting of glaciers and snow, exposing rocky surfaces and soil that had been hidden for millennia under thick layers of ice. According to a NASA study, Antarctica lost about 148 billion tons of ice per year between 2002 and 2020. This rapid melting is contributing to a global sea level rise of about 0.4 millimeters per year.

Expansion of vegetation in extreme conditions

As the soil is exposed, new conditions are created for plant growth. The most dominant plants on the Antarctic Peninsula are mosses and liverworts, which are able to survive in extreme conditions of low temperatures and intense UV radiation. In recent decades, scientists have recorded a fivefold increase in biological activity in old moss stands.

A study published in the journal Current Biology in 2017 analyzed moss core samples from five locations on the peninsula. The results showed a significant increase in growth and biological productivity since 1950. This increase correlated with rising temperatures, suggesting that warming is promoting the expansion of vegetation.

Biological consequences of greening

The expansion of vegetation can have a profound impact on the local ecosystem. Increased vegetation can accelerate the decomposition of organic matter, leading to the release of additional greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane. This process can create a feedback loop that further accelerates warming.

Additionally, as vegetation grows, the risk of introducing non-native species increases. Tourist and scientific visits to Antarctica have increased, with more than 74,000 people visiting in the 2019-2020 season. These visitors can inadvertently bring seeds and microorganisms from other parts of the world, potentially disrupting the fragile Antarctic ecosystem.

Changes in the hydrological cycle

In addition to vegetation growth, the hydrological cycle on the Antarctic Peninsula is also changing. Higher temperatures are leading to the formation of new freshwater lakes and streams from melting ice. These bodies of water can support microorganisms and simple life forms, further altering the ecological balance.

A 2020 study published in Geophysical Research Letters found that the number of surface liquid bodies has increased by 27% over the past decade. These bodies can also contribute to the instability of glaciers by penetrating cracks and accelerating their disintegration.

Global implications

Changes in the Antarctic Peninsula have global implications. Antarctica contains approximately 90% of the world's ice and 70% of fresh water. If all of the Antarctic ice were to melt, sea levels would rise by approximately 58 meters. Although such a complete melt is unlikely in the near future, the current rate of melting is contributing to a sea level rise of approximately 0.6 millimeters per year.

Rising sea levels threaten coastal cities and island nations around the world. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), sea levels could rise by 0.26 to 0.77 meters by 2100, depending on greenhouse gas emissions.

Climate models and predictions

Scientists are using data from the Antarctic Peninsula to improve climate models. A better understanding of how warming affects ice sheets and ecosystems helps predict future changes. These models are key to shaping global policies to mitigate the impacts of climate change.

One of the main findings is that current climate models may be underestimating the speed and extent of change in the polar regions, suggesting that action to reduce emissions is even more urgent than previously thought.

Challenges for Antarctic protection

Protecting the Antarctic Peninsula and the entire Antarctic is an international priority. The Antarctic Treaty of 1959 stipulates that the continent is reserved for peaceful purposes and scientific research. The 1991 Protocol on Environmental Protection is also currently in force, which prohibits resource extraction and sets rules for environmental protection.

Despite these measures, climate change poses a threat that cannot be addressed at the regional level alone. It requires global cooperation and a commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Organizations such as the IPCC and the United Nations are calling on countries to adopt ambitious targets under the 2015 Paris Agreement.

The role of science and research

Scientific research is key to understanding the changes taking place. There are approximately 70 research stations in Antarctica from more than 30 countries. Teams of scientists study the climate, ecology, geology and other aspects of the continent. Their work provides invaluable data for global climate models and helps shape environmental policies.

Research in Antarctica is also bringing about technological innovations, particularly in areas such as remote sensing, robotics, and materials science. These technologies can have broad applications in monitoring and solving environmental challenges.

The greening of the Antarctic Peninsula is visible and tangible evidence of ongoing climate change. These changes have profound consequences not only for the local ecosystem, but also for the entire planet. Developments on the southernmost continent remind us of how fragile and interconnected our ecosystems are.

It is essential that we, as a global society, take action to mitigate the impacts of climate change. This includes reducing emissions, investing in renewable energy sources, and supporting scientific research. Only in this way can we ensure that Antarctica remains a place of scientific discovery and not a cautionary tale about the consequences of inaction.

Our planet is undergoing transformation, and the Antarctic Peninsula is a barometer of these changes. It is up to us to take these signals seriously and act to preserve life and biodiversity for future generations. Spring

Visegrad+ grants support projects that contribute to democratization and transformation processes in selected Western Balkan countries (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia) and Eastern Partnership regions (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine). (More on International Visegrad Fund)

If our actions are anything to go by, it’s clear that we are least concerned about the health and prosperity of our future generations. How else can we justify our continued failure to protect planet Earth? The latest UN report says that 2024 is on track to be the hottest year on record, a title currently held by 2023. The basic understanding of this trend is that as we move forward, our actions are continuing to drive global temperatures higher. The Earth is too hot to live on. According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), greenhouse gas emissions hit new highs in 2024, setting the stage for more heat to come. (More on thenews.com)

Overview of climate events scheduled for 2025. The list includes an extensive selection of conferences, summits and forums, focused on sustainable development, ocean protection and addressing climate change. The most significant include COP30 in Brazil and various UN meetings. Events are diverse, from high-level summits to youth-focused initiatives.

• February 5: ECOSOC Partnership Forum, UN Headquarters, New York, USA
• March 5-7: World Summit on Sustainable Development, New Delhi, India
• March 12-13: 12th World Ocean Summit and Exhibition, Tokyo, Japan
• March 12-13: United Nations Development Cooperation Forum, UN Headquarters, New York, USA
• March 12-13: Global Forum for Sustainable Energy for All, Bridgetown, Barbados
• April 2nd - 5th: Global Youth Climate Summit, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
• April 15-17: ECOSOC Youth Forum, UN Headquarters, New York, USA
• April 30 – May 1: Future Days 2025, Lisbon, Portugal
• May 21-23: Funding for a Feminist Future, Madrid, Spain
• May 26th – 30th: IMFN Global Forum 2025, Kemptville, ON, Canada
• June 9th – 13th: UN Ocean Conference 2025, Nice, France
• June 16th – 26th: UN Climate Change Conference in Bonn 2025, Bonn, Germany
• July 14th – 23rd: High-Level Forum on Sustainable Development 2025, UN Headquarters, New York, USA
• September 10-11: 13th International Conference on Sustainable Development, Rome, Italy
• October 9th – 15th: IUCN World Conservation Congress, Abu Dhabi, UAE
• October 12th – 14th: World Health Summit 2025, Berlin, Germany (and online)
• October 20th – 24th: 6th World Congress on Agroforestry, Kigali, Rwanda
• November 4th - 6th: Second World Summit on Social Development, Doha, Qatar
• November 10th - 21st: UN Climate Change Conference (COP30), Belém, Brazil

While the climate crisis has many factors playing a role in environmental degradation, some require more attention than others. Here are some of the biggest environmental issues of our lifetime, from deforestation and biodiversity loss to food waste and fast fashion.

This year is likely to end up being the hottest on record, with warming reaching new extremes around the world. These photos from Greenpeace show the profound impact of the severe weather that scientists are increasingly linking to climate change.

A message from October 2024 by the Air Pollution & Climate Secretariat analyses the 100 largest industrial polluters in the EU-27. It focuses mainly on the steel, cement and refining industries, which are responsible for most emissions. The report points to different approach to reducing emissions between the energy and industrial sectors, with industry benefiting from the free allocation of emission allowances. The authors point to the need for change in heavy industry and discuss the future of individual sectors in the context of the EU's climate goals. The report also notes that the emissions trading system only became more effective after 2018.

Main findings:

• Dominance of steel, cement and refineries: The top 100 industrial emitters are almost exclusively steel, cement and refinery plants. For example, the largest emitter in 2021 was the Austrian company Voestalpine Stahl Linz, with 8.7 million tonnes of CO2.
• Significant decrease in emissions from electricity production: Emissions from power plants have been cut by almost half since 2007, largely thanks to the rise of renewable energy sources. The document states that by 2023, wind and solar will supply more electricity to the EU (727 TWh) than coal (343 TWh).
• Stagnation of emissions from industry: In contrast to energy, emissions from industry (excluding power plants and aviation) have only seen a slight decrease. This is due to the free emission allowance system, which shields industry from the true cost of CO2. The document criticizes this practice, pointing out that in 2023, industry received more free allowances (450 Mt) than its actual emissions (433 Mt).
• The need for change in the industry: The document highlights that the industry must undergo fundamental changes to achieve carbon neutrality. Steel mills plan to replace coal and coke with green hydrogen, cement plants should reduce cement consumption and use alternative binders, and refineries must prepare for a decline in demand for petroleum products due to the electrification of transport.
• How the emissions trading system works: The paper notes that the Emissions Trading System (ETS) only became an effective tool for reducing emissions after 2018, when allowance prices increased due to political interventions. The ETS is currently considered a relatively effective mechanism.

The document presents a comprehensive overview of CO2 emissions in EU-27 industry and highlights the need for fundamental changes in industry to achieve carbon neutrality. The document criticizes the free allowance system and highlights the success of the emissions trading system in reducing energy emissions. Spring

The EU PPWR Packaging Regulation aims to reduce the environmental impact of packaging. It stipulates that all packaging in the EU must be recyclable by 2030. The regulation requires companies, including online retailers, to adapt their design and use of materials to increase recycling and reuse. Key aspects include reducing the weight of packaging, promoting a circular economy and adhering to guidelines on extended producer responsibility.

Which packaging is included?

All types of packaging, regardless of material or origin, whether from industry or households.

Who does the regulation apply to?

All actors in the supply chain. It sets out obligations for manufacturers, importers, distributors (including final distributors) and logistics service providers.

What does the regulation aim at?

It prohibits the placing on the EU market of packaging that does not comply with the conditions of the regulation:

– All packaging must be recyclable, with its recyclability being rated in categories A, B or C.

– Plastic packaging must contain at least 30 % of recycled material from 2030 and 65 % from 2040.

– The weight and volume of packaging must be minimized (e.g. double walls and false bottoms are prohibited).

– Packaging must contain information about material composition, recycled content and compostability.

– Waste containers must be clearly marked for separate collection.

– The shipping container source may be half empty.

– There are restrictions on single-use plastic packaging in some industries.

– Final distributors must ensure that at least 10 % of their products are in reusable packaging, with the aim of reaching 40 % by 2040.

– Restaurants must allow customers to bring their own containers.

Objectives for Member States:

– Reducing packaging waste per person by 5 % by 2030, 10 % by 2035 and 15 % by 2040 compared to 2018.

– By the end of 2025, at least 70 % of waste must be recyclable, with a target at the end of 2030.

Since when is the regulation valid?

The regulation will apply 18 months after its entry into force, which will be on the 20th day following its publication in the Official Journal of the EU. The individual obligations will enter into force at different times, depending on the adoption of delegated acts. Spring

2024 was the warmest year on record. Global temperatures exceeded 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels for the first time, the critical threshold set by the Paris Agreement. This change brought with it not only new temperature records, but also a number of extreme weather events with devastating consequences.

Extreme heat on every continent

The heatwave of 2024 hit every continent, with records breaking from Europe to Asia:

– Europe experienced its hottest summer on record. Italy, Spain and Greece battled temperatures exceeding 45°C, leading to massive fires and property losses.

– Asia faced temperatures of up to 50°C in India and Pakistan, causing power outages and increased deaths from heatstroke.

– North America experienced widespread drought, with temperatures in California and Texas reaching record highs of 54°C, severely affecting water supplies.

July 2024 recorded the hottest day on record. More than 5 billion people were exposed to extreme temperatures that day, with climate change likely playing a significant role.

Health, economic and environmental impacts

The extreme heat of 2024 had wide-ranging consequences for health, the economy, and the environment.

– Health risks: Extreme heat led to a significant increase in deaths from heatstroke and exacerbations of chronic diseases. The elderly, children and those without access to air conditioning were the most vulnerable. The World Health Organization estimates that more than 100,000 people will die from extreme heat in 2024.

– Economic losses: Agriculture was among the hardest hit sectors. Drying soils and heat stress on plants caused a decline in yields of staple crops such as wheat, corn and rice. This decline triggered a sharp increase in food prices on global markets.

– Energy sector faced serious challenges. Increased demand for air conditioning led to overloading of electrical networks and power outages.

– Natural disasters: Extreme heat and drought have resulted in massive wildfires that have caused enormous damage to property and ecosystems. For example, in Canada, more than 5 million hectares of forest burned during the summer of 2024, the largest area recorded in modern history.

Climate mechanisms behind extremes

Scientists point to rising concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere as a major factor in these extreme events. Natural climate cycles such as El Niño have amplified the effects of global warming. With higher temperatures, the atmosphere can hold more moisture, leading not only to heat waves but also to more intense storms and floods.

Necessary measures

Experts point out that 2024 is clear evidence that the climate crisis is already happening. Without urgent action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, extreme weather will become increasingly frequent and destructive.

– Mitigation measures:

– Faster transition to renewable energy sources.

– Improving energy efficiency and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

– Strengthening international cooperation to protect forests and oceans, which absorb carbon.

– Adaptation steps:

– Building more resilient infrastructure that can handle extreme temperatures and floods.

– Increasing funding for health systems to cope with climate threats.

– Investments in water management projects to secure water resources during droughts.

The year 2024 reminded us that the climate crisis is no longer a threat of the future, but an integral part of our present. If humanity does not step up its efforts to protect our planet, extreme events like those of 2024 will only be a harbinger of the future. It is time to act – for the future of our planet and the generations that will come after us. Spring