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Al Mayadeen's correspondent: The Lebanese Army is continuing its investigations and will later announce any information that does not affect the confidentiality of the investigation
Al Mayadeen's correspondent: It has not yet been determined whether the detainees belong to ISIS or another organization
Al Mayadeen's correspondent: Around 10 people of different nationalities, including Lebanese nationals, were detained
Al Mayadeen's correspondent: The Lebanese army arrested a number of people in the Matn area of Mount Lebanon with possession it has not disclosed
Gaza Civil Defense spokesman: We have strong indications that there are martyrs, injuries, and trapped people in the Salah al-Din area
Gaza Civil Defense spokesman: Citizens should avoid Salah al-Din Street because anyone who approaches it is at risk of being directly targeted
Gaza Civil Defense spokesman: Reality is that there is a very limited retreat of the vehicles, with the occupation forces providing cover undeer fire up to Salah al-Din Street
Gaza Civil Defense spokesman: Claims that the Israeli occupation has withdrawn from areas in the neighborhoods of al-Zaytoun, al-Tuffah, and al-Shujaiya are false
Hamas: The two delegations stressed that any negotiations must lead to the achievement of our people's goals and aspirations, foremost among which is ending the war and the complete withdrawal of enemy forces
Hamas: A delegation from the Hamas leadership, led by the head of the leadership council, Mohammad Darwish, met with an Islamic Jihad delegation, headed by its Secretary-General, Ziyad al-Nakhalah

Periled planet: Scorching heatwaves put global food security at risk

  • By Al Mayadeen English
  • Source: The Guardian
  • 21 Jul 2023 12:22
3 Min Read

Researchers warn that human life and the food supply chain are endangered as heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense.

  • x
  • Wild deer rummage through bags of rubbish in Sri Lanka’s Trincomalee district. (AFP via Getty Images)
    Wild deer rummage through bags of rubbish in Sri Lanka’s Trincomalee district. (AFP via Getty Images)

Researchers are warning that successive heatwaves are posing a severe threat to nature's ability to provide food. The Earth is experiencing record temperatures, resulting in devastating consequences for both land and ocean ecosystems. Human life and the food supply chain are endangered as heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense.

John Marsham, a professor of atmospheric science, emphasizes as quoted by The Guardian that the global food system is at risk, as simultaneous major crop losses in different regions could significantly impact food availability and prices. Marsham went on to say that natural ecosystems and farmed lands are vulnerable and cannot adapt to extreme heat like humans can with air conditioning.

Europe, the US, and China have all experienced heatwaves that led to crop failures and losses. These events are expected to become 12 times more frequent by 2040 compared to pre-warming levels, leaving nature with insufficient time to recover.

The climate crisis not only increases atmospheric heatwaves but also leads to oceanic heatwaves that harm coastal communities and threaten marine life, another crucial food source for humans. The stress from heatwaves causes massive die-offs, as seen with the 2021 "heat dome" event that killed an estimated 1 billion marine animals off Canada's Pacific coast.

A cluster of factors, which for most countries consists of a combination of #economic shocks, conflict, and insecurity, as well as displacement and natural catastrophes, was identified by the #UN as the cause of severe food insecurity. pic.twitter.com/DrVUk66vGo

— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) July 7, 2023

Daniela Schmidt, a professor of earth sciences, expresses concern over the often overlooked impact of marine heatwaves, which can silently cause extensive damage. Vulnerable ecosystems, particularly tropical oceans with stable year-round temperatures, are at risk. For instance, the warming of 2°C is expected to devastate tropical coral reefs, jeopardizing their significant biodiversity and support for millions of people, mostly in impoverished countries.

The implications of extreme heat on land vertebrates are becoming apparent, with up to 41% of them projected to experience extreme thermal events by 2099 under a high-emissions scenario. Hot temperatures induce various problems for species, affecting growth, fertility, immunity, and behavior, and could drive more species toward extinction.

Dr. Nicole Miranda, a senior researcher at the Oxford Martin program on the Future of Cooling, believes that nature itself can play a crucial role in mitigating extreme heat effects. Bodies of water, such as ponds and fountains, can make landscapes more resilient in hot, dry summers, reducing the risk of wildfires and alleviating drought impacts. Vegetation also helps passively cool surroundings through shading and evapotranspiration.

While research is only beginning to uncover the full extent of heat's impact on ecosystems, urgent action is needed to address the consequences of climate change. Preserving natural environments and implementing measures to cool urban areas are essential steps to protect the planet's biodiversity and ensure a sustainable future for humanity.

  • food supply
  • Food Shortages
  • Climate crisis
  • Heatwave
  • Food Security

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