Latest news with #ClimateChange
Zawya
an hour ago
- Zawya
Is AI the answer to South Africa's water troubles?
Climate change, ageing infrastructure, pollution, and unequal access are the biggest challenges South Africa faces regarding its water systems. As the world becomes more attuned to artificial intelligence (AI), one wonders if it can help resolve our growing water crisis. In the words of Nelson Mandela: 'Massive poverty and obscene inequality… rank alongside slavery and apartheid as social evils.' These words echo louder today as millions of South Africans still live without reliable access to clean drinking water, despite rapid global advances in technology. The country loses nearly half its treated water to leaks, theft, and poor management. Meanwhile, the tools to fix these problems may already be within reach. AI: a new ally in an old struggle AI isn't just about robots and smart devices — it's about using data and machine learning to make smarter decisions, faster. In the water sector, this means identifying leaks before pipes burst, forecasting droughts more accurately, preventing water pollution, and even improving how farmers irrigate their crops. Across Africa, where similar water challenges persist, AI could be a game-changer if deployed ethically and inclusively. Smarter water management AI's real strength lies in its ability to process massive amounts of data. For water utilities, this can transform how systems are monitored and maintained. - Early warning systems: AI can analyse satellite imagery and weather data to predict floods and droughts. In disaster-prone areas like KwaZulu-Natal, this helps officials act before a crisis hits. - Leak detection and smart maintenance: AI tools can identify pressure drops or hidden leaks, saving precious water. South Africa loses up to 47% of its treated water — AI could drastically cut these losses. - Digital twins: These are virtual replicas of water systems. Utilities can use them to simulate different scenarios, plan upgrades, and reduce maintenance costs. Making every drop count in agriculture Farming uses over 60% of South Africa's water. With AI-powered irrigation, farmers can water only when needed, based on real-time data about soil moisture, weather, and crop type. These smart systems can: - Cut water use by 20–60%. - Boost crop yields by 20–30%. - Reduce reliance on chemical inputs and manual labour. Cleaner water, healthier communities AI can also protect water quality. By analysing pollution patterns, machine learning models can detect contaminants from industries, mines, or agriculture. In rural and under-resourced areas, where data is scarce, AI can still predict pollution risks, helping prevent health hazards before they reach communities. Tackling corruption and theft Corruption and vandalism are major drains on the water sector. AI can help shine a light on financial misconduct by scanning procurement data for red flags, such as ghost suppliers or suspicious contracts. Video surveillance and AI-powered drones can also monitor vulnerable infrastructure and detect theft in real time. Predictive models can map high-risk areas, helping municipalities focus resources where they're needed most. Closing the skills gap There's a severe shortage of technical expertise in South Africa's water sector. AI can fill that gap — not by replacing people, but by supporting them. Tools like chatbots, remote dashboards, and automated alerts can help less-experienced staff operate complex systems with confidence. AI also preserves institutional knowledge, digitising manuals and past case data to support decision-making, even when experienced technicians leave. Building public engagement Technology can also empower the public. AI-powered chatbots and multilingual apps can teach water-saving tips, notify users of local outages, and help people report leaks or vandalism. Communities become partners in managing water, not just passive recipients. Ethics first: AI that works for everyone While the promise of AI is enormous, it must be used responsibly. That means: - Ensuring access for rural and marginalised communities. - Protecting privacy and sensitive data. - Designing systems that minimise bias. - Creating safeguards against job losses in vulnerable communities. Technology is never neutral — it reflects the values of its designers. To truly serve people, AI in the water sector must be guided by ethics, equity, and sustainability. A way forward To unlock AI's full potential, South Africa needs to start with practical, high-impact projects, like leak detection and predictive maintenance. But technology alone isn't enough. Investing in digital infrastructure, skills, and cross-sector partnerships is key. If done right, AI can help deliver universal access to clean, safe water — and make the sector more resilient for the future. As AI researcher Timnit Gebru said, 'Technology is not neutral; it reflects the values of its creators.' All rights reserved. © 2022. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Science
- Yahoo
Warmer Great Lakes waters. More ticks. Fewer fish. Climate change report brings grim news
Climate change continues to have a profound impact on the Great Lakes region, bringing more extreme weather, declining fish populations, and subtle but profound economic transformation. That's according to a new report by the Environmental Law and Policy Center, conducted by researchers around the Great Lakes. The report is an update to a 2019 report examining the effects of climate change on the lakes themselves and surrounding region. Despite the discouraging tendency these days to see everything through a political prism, the science itself is incontestable and apolitical: Climate change is caused by human activity, primarily the use of fossil fuels, like coal, oil and gas. Fossil fuels account for 75% of greenhouse gas emissions, which trap heat and warm the planet. A warmer planet incites a ripple effect — and yes, even in the Great Lakes, a place that many consider a climate haven. Since 1951, annual average air temperatures have increased by nearly 3 degrees Fahrenheit in the U.S Great Lakes region — a stunning change given the massive cooling effect the lakes have on the region. "Climate is one of the most important issues facing humanity," said Don Wuebbles, lead author on the assessment and emeritus professor at the University of Illinois. "We are driving changes and now we have to figure out together what do we do about it." Here are eight takeaways from the climate change report. More dangerous heat waves The Great Lakes region warmed substantially faster in the six years since the last assessment than it did in decades prior, the report shows. And with this warming trend, dangerously hot days are happening more often, especially in urban heat islands where surfaces like parking lots, sidewalks and streets absorb and hold onto heat. In Milwaukee, for instance, a mapping campaign by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources showed that at night, there can be a 10-degree temperature difference between the hottest and coolest parts of the city. By the 2030s, urban areas like Chicago could face more than 200 hours of temperatures exceeding 95°F — up sharply from just 30 hours in recent years. This surge in extreme heat drives up energy demand and poses serious health risks to vulnerable populations. More: Many Milwaukeeans live in a heat island, and 'we can't air condition our way out of this' The report also shows that the number of cool nights continues to decline, another alarming trend given extreme nighttime heat can actually be deadlier than daytime heat. More extreme rain events Since 1951, annual total precipitation has increased by 15% in the U.S. Great Lakes region. With that, the frequency of extreme precipitation events has also continued to increase, the report shows. Between 2017 and 2024, the number of days with at least 2 inches of precipitation was 6% higher than the 1986-2016 average and 37% higher than what scientists refer to as the baseline period of 1901-1960. Declining ice cover, rising lake levels The report confirms growing evidence that winters in the Great Lakes region are being hit hardest by climate change. Winter is the fastest warming season in the region, resulting in the steady decline in ice cover over the past five decades. The decline has also been met with extreme swings from near record highs to near record lows within a few years. Average ice cover across all five Great Lakes during the 2024 ice season was the lowest on record since scientists began recording it more than 50 years ago. More: New data shows winters in Great Lakes region shrinking by two or more weeks since 1995 One surprising finding, Wuebbles said, is that while climate change is leading to greater fluctuations in lake levels, they are generally rising overall. A 2022 modeling study projected that by mid-century, Great Lakes water levels could rise upwards of 17.3 inches in Lake Michigan and Huron, and 7.5 inches in Lake Superior. Warming water temperatures According to the report, summer lake surface temperatures have increased in recent decades. For instance, Lake Superior summer temperatures increased by nearly 5 degrees Fahrenheit from 1979 to 2023 − the most of any of the Great Lakes. In 2024, Lakes Michigan, Huron, Erie and Ontario all experienced record-high average surface temperatures in 2024. The report also highlights that the greatest rates of temperature increase continue to be in deeper waters, with smaller increases near shorelines. Winter's influence in deeper waters is also disappearing, with shifts in fall overturn and winter cooling that could impact the lake's ecosystem. More: In winter, the waters of Lakes Michigan and Huron separate into layers. Not anymore. Why? Vanishing fish populations The report highlights that lake whitefish are on the verge of collapse, with stock assessment models showing that in Lake Michigan the prized species may disappear from some locations within five years. And even if commercial fishing for lake whitefish ceases, they could still face local or regional extinction. Warming winters and reduced ice cover is largely to blame, the report says, as ice cover protects whitefish eggs along the shoreline. However, another reason for the decline is invasive zebra and quagga mussels, which pick off larval whitefish before they reach adulthood. In Wisconsin, warming summer stream and river temperatures are expected to reduce habitat for brook and brown trout by 68% and 32%, respectively, by mid-century. As air temperatures warm, declines in trout habitat also are likely in other areas of the Great Lakes basin, the report notes. However, areas in the north with cooler air temperatures are expected to show greater resilience against increasing water temperatures, as are streams with higher inputs of groundwater. More: Invasive mussels drastically altered the Great Lakes. Now, scientists are fighting back. Ticks are expanding their range Many kinds of ticks are expanding their range and growing more abundant in the Midwest, presenting an increased risk for disease in humans and wildlife. For instance, the report highlights warming temperatures have pushed black legged ticks, a primary carrier of Lyme disease, northward. The lone star tick, which is known for causing a life-threatening allergy to red meat, has also expanded its range. Old growth forests are still helping − for now The updated assessment also highlighted that old growth forests are still taking in a significant amount of carbon dioxide out of the air. For instance, tree ring data from 9,000 trees in northern Wisconsin show older trees store more carbon than scientists previously thought. The fact that old-growth trees store more carbon underscores why cutting them down is a serious mistake, Wuebbles said. Delaying tree harvests and protecting older forests enhances carbon sequestration, making untouched forests vital for reducing carbon dioxide and combating climate change. Rising economic toll Communities around the region have strong ties to the Great Lakes, and economic impacts of climate change are expected to cross all sectors. The report notes that the Anishinaabeg, which include the Ojibwe, Ottawa and Potawatomi, are poised to be disproportionately affected by climate change. Impacts to land, water, food and plant and animal species threaten practices as well as cultural sites. Reductions in lake ice cover are disrupting local economies around the Great Lakes by affecting fishing, winter sports, shipping schedules and biological processes crucial to aquatic ecosystems. Public health risks are rising due to more frequent heat waves, flooding and the spread of vector-borne diseases like those carried by mosquitoes and ticks. Industries and transportation systems face challenges from drought, extreme heat and infrastructure damage, while changing lake conditions impact shipping efficiency. Tourism and fishing are also affected, with shorter winters reducing seasonal activities and warming waters threatening cold-water fish species but benefiting warm-water ones. More: Great Lakes tribes' knowledge of nature could be key to navigating climate change. Will enough people listen? Caitlin Looby covers the Great Lakes and the environment for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Reach her at clooby@ and follow her on X @caitlooby. Caitlin's work is supported by the Brico Fund, Fund for Lake Michigan, Barbara K. Frank, and individual contributions. Grants and donations help make this reporting possible. The Journal Sentinel maintains full editorial control. To learn more about our community-funded journalism initiatives, or to make a tax-deductible donation, visit Checks can be addressed to Local Media Foundation with 'JS Environment' in the memo, then mailed to: Local Media Foundation, P.O. Box 85015, Chicago, IL 60689. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Report: Great Lakes seeing ongoing impacts from climate change Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Science
- Yahoo
Helping the BC Wine Industry Beat the Heat: Scientists Seek Genomic Solutions to Grapevine Heat Stress
VANCOUVER, BC, July 29, 2025 /CNW/ - Climate change is challenging BC wine producers. Extreme weather events such as rising temperatures, changing rainfall and frost patterns, and smoke from wildfires have caused recent catastrophic crop losses. This has left the BC wine industry — which annually contributes around $3.75 billion and employs over 14,000 workers in the province — struggling to cope and looking for answers. Genome British Columbia (Genome BC) funded researchers are using genomic techniques to explore the impacts on heat stress on grapevines and to find solutions for the industry. This is a partnership between Genome BC, the University of British Columbia's (UBC) Wine Research Centre, the Canadian Grapevine Certification Network, the BC Wine Grape Council and Andrew Peller Limited. "We know that these peaks in seasonal temperatures are occurring more often. Heatwaves are stressing grapevines and impacting both production volumes and quality. We need to equip grape growers and winemakers with better decision-making tools," said Ben Bryant, Vice-President, Western Canada Operations and National Distribution from Andrew Peller Limited. "Extreme heat can cause crop losses and affect the taste profile of the grapes. We need to know how to counter this and preserve plants, regardless of the climate conditions." A heatwave is generally defined as a period of three or more consecutive days with temperatures exceeding traditional norms. Lead researcher, Dr. Simone Castellarin from UBC's Wine Research Centre, says it's common in Okanagan Valley to see temperatures over 35°C for three days or more. "This is why we want to understand the physiological impact of heat stress on the vines." In tandem, the team is studying how biostimulants can affect plant defences. These are substances — including certain types of acids, seaweed and plant extracts, beneficial bacteria, fungi, microbes and more — that are applied to plants or soil to stimulate growth, development, nutrient uptake and stress tolerance. "We need to know more about how they actually work," Dr. Castellarin explains. He hopes the study will lead to better information on the use of biostimulant types, application timing and quantity. Collaborative, real-time research Andrew Peller Limited is BC's second largest wine producer, currently growing grapes in 700 acres across the province. They are providing the vineyards where genetics and winemaking experts will work together on experimental plots. Funding from Genome BC will allow research across two consecutive growing seasons. The process involves imposing heat stress onto plants in purpose-built greenhouses. These simulate real world heatwaves to explore several factors: how grapevines respond to heat stress alone or combined with stressors common to BC such as water deficits, and how biostimulants may protect vine tissues from heat stress. Measurements will be taken of plant leaves and berries at various points to understand their physiological and metabolic responses to heat stress. Tracking small changes within the chemical compositions will hopefully lead to clues about what to do with the end product. "When we move on to the winemaking process, we want to know the different qualities and flavours that change because of heat exposure," Bryant said. Dr. Federica Di Palma, Genome BC's Chief Scientific Officer and Vice-President, Research and Innovations states, "crop loss isn't just a problem for winemakers and growers. This ultimately affects the quality and reputation of BC's wine industry. Here, we clearly see the value of genomics not just to agriculture, but also to our economy." About Genome British Columbia: Genome BC is a not-for-profit organization that has advanced genomics research and innovation for 25 years, growing a world-class life sciences sector in BC and delivering sustainable benefits for British Columbia, Canada and beyond. Genome BC has attracted over $1.1 billion in direct co-investment to the province, which has contributed to funding more than 600 genomics research and innovation projects. These initiatives enhance healthcare and address environmental and natural resource challenges, improving the lives of British Columbians. Genome BC also integrates genomics into society by supporting responsible research and innovation and fostering an understanding and appreciation of the life sciences among educators, students and the public. SOURCE Genome British Columbia View original content to download multimedia: Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
CBS News
15 hours ago
- Climate
- CBS News
Extreme rain events are becoming more common in the Chicago area as the climate warms
Extreme rainfall events in Chicago, including two observed this summer, are becoming more common as the climate warms. Very small, localized thunderstorms brought intense rains to parts of Chicago on both July 8 and July 25. While data analysis of the more recent July rainfall event is ongoing, National Weather Service Senior Service Hydrologist Scott Lincoln tells CBS News Chicago that the 5 inches of rain that fell in less than three hours July 8 only has a 0.2% chance of happening in a given year. This would once have been referred to as a 1-in-500 year rainfall event, but the NWS now avoids that phrasing since there is no guarantee it will be another 500 years before it happens again. Late in the evening on July 8, a very localized, torrential thunderstorm sat over portions of central Cook County west of the Loop on the Eisenhower Expressway. Parts of the Near West Side, North Lawndale, the United Center, West Garfield Park and East Garfield Park experienced extreme rainfall, with one unofficial rain gauge tallying 5.39 inches in just two hours. "Comparing this event to our record of extreme rainfall events impacting the Chicago area since 1950 indicates that this is among the smallest recorded extreme rainfall events over that period, covering only an approximately three square mile area," Lincoln said. As global climate change warms Chicago area temperatures, it is leading to heavier rainfall events. For every one degree of warming, the atmosphere holds 4% more moisture. The heaviest rain events in the Great Lakes region have gotten 45% heavier since 1958, according to Climate Central. This is impacting Chicago's water infrastructure and flooding basements more often. "As of July 8, 2025, the 2020s decade has had four extreme rainfall events in central Cook County," Lincoln said. "Compared to the the 1950s, 2000s, and 2010s which each had two known extreme rainfall events within that same area." Lincoln noted rain gauge observations were not as widespread prior to the 1990s, potentially affecting historical data collection. "Multiple lines of evidence suggest that the threshold for 'extreme rainfall' in the Chicago area is changing," Lincoln said. "Analysis of daily rainfall in Chicago indicated that 'extreme' 1-day rainfall early in Chicago's history (1871-1930) was approximately 6 inches, while this value increased to just over 8 inches in more recent times (1961-2020)." More detailed studies of rainfall frequency indicate a heavy rain event that has a 1% chance of occurring in a given year — once called a 1-in-100 year event — has gotten heavier. A NOAA publication indicated a 100-year event was 5.6 inches of rain in the late 1950s. An Illinois State Water Survey publication shows it has increased to 8.6 inches as of the late 2010s.
Web Release
20 hours ago
- Business
- Web Release
Uptime's 15th Annual Global Data Center Survey Results Show Both Commitment and Hesitancy as Industry Plans for Wider AI Usage, Climate Change Reporting, and the NVIDIA Revolution to Come
Uptime's 15th Annual Global Data Center Survey Results Show Both Commitment and Hesitancy as Industry Plans for Wider AI Usage, Climate Change Reporting, and the NVIDIA Revolution to Come Uptime Institute today announced the release of its 15th Annual Global Data Center Survey 2025 revealing an innovative and resilient industry – one that is also facing rising costs, worsening power constraints, and challenges in meeting the demands for AI. As operators expand and modernize to meet power and density requirements, they must address availability, efficiency, staffing challenges, supply chain delays, and unpredictable technological advances. 'Our data shows operators are tasked with managing a lot of big strategic challenges at the same time. These include anticipating multiple technological changes, planning for expansion in spite of major constraints on power availability, and preparing for and supporting unpredictable AI workload demand,' said Andy Lawrence, Executive Director of Research, Uptime Institute. 'This is a time where senior level experience is critical. But for the first time, more operators are finding it harder to recruit and retain senior people than people at an earlier stage of their career. There is a management shortage, with many experienced leaders retiring just as another phase of dramatic growth gets underway.' Roughly one-third of data center owners and operators currently perform some AI training or inference, and a significantly greater proportion plan to do so in the future. But much of this is early stage and cautious. Uncertainty over the appropriate or likely venues for AI workloads, and apprehension over the power demands of projected NVIDIA GPU systems, is likely contributing to capacity concerns. Now in its 15th year, Uptime Institute's annual survey is the most comprehensive and longest-running study of its kind. The findings of this report highlight the practices and experiences of data center owners and operators in the areas of resiliency, sustainability, efficiency, staffing, cloud, and artificial intelligence. Key findings from the 2025 report include: Cost issues remain the top concern for digital infrastructure management teams in 2025 — but worries around forecasting future capacity requirements have grown significantly. Average PUE levels show little change for the sixth consecutive year, with improvements constrained by legacy infrastructure and some climate specific limitations to efficient cooling. Average server rack power densities continue to rise, with greater adoption of racks in the 10–30 kW range. Few facilities exceed 30 kW, and extreme densities are as yet rare. The collection and reporting of key sustainability metrics have not improved in 2025, which is likely due in part to commercial pressures to support AI, and easing regulatory pressure in some regions. Trust in AI for data center operations depends on the use case: most would allow its use for analyzing sensor data and predictive maintenance tasks, but not configuration changes, controlling equipment, or staffing issues. Impactful data center outages are gradually becoming less frequent — but one in ten still cause serious or severe disruption, underscoring the need for continued investment. Enterprises continue to adopt hybrid IT strategies, spanning cloud, colocation on-premises data centers. On-premises data centers remain foundational for those with large, mission critical processing needs, with 45% of IT workloads still residing in corporate facilities. Staffing challenges persist in 2025. Nearly two-thirds of operators report difficulty retaining staff, finding qualified candidates, or both. About the Survey: Uptime conducted this year's Annual Global Data Center Survey online and via email from April to May 2025 and collected responses from more than 800 data center owners and operators. For the third consecutive year, Uptime's survey asked data center operators to identify their management team's top concerns related to digital infrastructure. In 2025, new response options were added to reflect the evolving challenges surrounding power availability, supply chain disruptions, and demand for AI. The survey participants represent a wide range of industry verticals in multiple countries. Nearly half (43%) are located in North America and Europe. Approximately one in five respondents work for professional IT / data center service providers — that is, staff with operational or executive responsibilities for a third-party data center, such as those offering colocation, wholesale, software, or cloud computing services. Learn More:
