Scientists predict that most polar bears will die out by the year 2100 because of global warming. Even if global warming is slowed, the loss of polar ice means most polar bears will still be seriously affected.
Published in “Environment”
Among the more unusual news stories recently…scientists have accidentally created a brand new kind of fish, called a sturddlefish, and KFC is working on using a 3D "bioprinter" to make its chicken nuggets.
Several large companies have begun creating paper bottles to replace glass and plastic ones. Paper bottles aren’t quite ready to go yet, but you may see them appearing on shelves over the next few years.
Greta Thunberg, who started a worldwide movement to encourage action on the climate crisis, has been given the Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity, valued at €1 million ($1.14 million). Ms. Thunberg says she plans to donate the money.
Ethiopia has been building a huge dam across the Blue Nile River for 10 years. It's nearly finished, and neighboring countries Egypt and Sudan are very worried. Recent satellite pictures showing water collecting behind the dam have raised tensions even more.
Heavy rains brought by monsoons are causing massive flooding across South Asia. Hundreds of thousands of people have been forced from their homes in Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Indonesia, China, and other countries.
Dry conditions and a record-setting heat wave in the Arctic have led to huge wildfires across the region. The wildfires are releasing massive amounts of pollution, making further warming and more fires likely.
Among the more unusual news stories recently… some surprise pictures reveal good news about gorillas, new records are set at a hot dog eating contest, and a Japanese amusement park is asking people not to scream on the rollercoasters.
Scientists have been surprised and impressed with the long-distance travel of two birds recently, a common cuckoo who flew from southern Africa to Mongolia, and an eastern curlew, who flew from Australia to China.
Scientists have discovered that massive amounts of microplastics are falling into remote areas in protected US national parks every year. The tiny bits of plastic are carried there by winds and rains.
Saniniu Laizer, who works as a miner in Tanzania, has suddenly become a millionaire after finding and selling two large chunks of a gemstone called Tanzanite. The stones found by Mr. Laizer were the largest samples of Tanzanite ever found.