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The Environmental news this week shows a worrying scenario, as the heat is intensifying more and more due to global warming.
We have selected the main environmental news this week and you will be able to understand exactly everything about the latest events in the world about the environment.
In a few minutes, you will know how to update yourself with the most important facts from environmental news this week and you will know how climate change is already directly impacting your life. Keep reading.
Top Environmental News This Week
1. Heat wave higher than ever in the eastern United States
Summer started with full force in the United States and brought with it one of the most intense heat waves ever recorded in the east of the country.
The National Weather Service has already issued alerts for several states in the central and eastern regions, in a state of attention.
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According to the forecast, the temperature will be high, reaching 32 °C will be common. Mainly in the Rocky Mountains, it can exceed 38 °C in cities such as Denver, Chicago, Boston, New York, Philadelphia and Washington, DC.
In addition, minimum temperatures are rising unusually. Some regions of the Great Plains and the Upper Midwest may record heat tonight.
In addition, states such as Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa, South Dakota and Colorado are already expected to face temperatures that justify the cancellation of outdoor activities.
Over the weekend, the situation intensifies in the Midwest, and extreme heat is expected to reach New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maryland and New Jersey starting Sunday.
2. Heat wave in Europe worries Environmental news this week
Europe is facing another severe heat wave, with temperatures exceeding 37.8 °C, especially in the south of the continent.
In fact, the thermometers rose even more. Especially in France and Italy, where the situation is most worrying.
In Italy, 17 cities have received official extreme heat alerts. While in France, some areas are already registering temperatures close to 42 °C.
Even in the face of so much discomfort, many Europeans continue to try to cope with the high temperatures as best they can.
The situation shows how Europe still faces challenges when it comes to heat adaptation. In the face of temperature records and serious environmental impacts, such as the closure of power plants and risks to public health. The urgency for sustainable solutions to deal with high temperatures is growing.
3. European Union sets climate targets for 2040
The European Union has just taken another step in the fight against climate change. The European Commission has presented its official recommendation for the 2040 climate target. Basically, the goal is to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by 90%.
This target represents the EU’s commitment to continue on the path to climate neutrality by 2050. With the current target of 2030, there will be a reduction of at least 55%. However, the new 2040 target ensures that Europe is ready to reach net zero emissions by mid-century.
In addition, the new target has the potential to boost the European economy, creating lasting jobs and positioning the EU as a global leader in the development of sustainable technologies.
4. Japan creates biodegradable plastic
Amid the growing global crisis caused by microplastic pollution, a promising innovation comes from Japan.
Scientists at the RIKEN Center for Emerging Matter Science have created a type of biodegradable plastic capable of completely dissolving in saltwater — a breakthrough that could revolutionize the fight against ocean contamination.
The problem of microplastics is gigantic. These particles, less than 5 mm in size, have been found at the bottom of the oceans, in the Arctic. In the air we breathe, and even in our bodies.
The Japanese innovation was led by scientist Takuzo Aida, who for more than 30 years has been researching supramolecular polymers. Materials with reversible bonds, similar to post-its: they glue and peel off easily.
Unlike materials such as polylactic acid (PLA), which decompose slowly and are not soluble in water. The new plastic breaks down completely in the ocean, without generating harmful waste or persistent fragments.
This finding reinforces the importance of scientific innovation in tackling the environmental crises that are destroying the planet.
5. Texas at risk of blackout Environmental news this week
Texas is on alert with the growth in demand for electricity, driven by data centers, industrialization, population growth and, of course, extreme heat.
According to ERCOT (Texas Electric Reliability Council), the probability of an energy emergency this summer has dropped a lot. Going from 16% last year to less than 1% in 2024.
Since last summer, more than 9,600 megawatts have been added to the state’s power grid, with 5,395 MW coming from solar and 3,821 MW from storage batteries. Which have been crucial to maintaining energy balance during peak demand.
Still, the risk has not disappeared. Record temperatures continue to rise.
Meanwhile, while solar dominated the new additions, the net loss of 366 MW of capacity at natural gas-fired plants raises concerns about the future of the energy mix.
Even with attempts by some lawmakers to curb renewables, the numbers speak for themselves.
During several days in June, more than half of the energy consumed in the state was generated by renewable sources.
In addition, according to ERCOT, most of the new electricity generation projects under analysis come from solar energy and batteries. This represents about 40% of the 400 GW of capacity in the approval queue.
In short, Texas is at the center of an accelerated energy transition. And although there are still challenges. The combination of innovation, storage, and strategic management is helping the state keep the lights on, even in the scorching heat.
Conclusion
Based on this week’s Environmental news, it is evident that the impact of climate change is increasingly present in our daily lives. Whether in extreme heat waves in the United States and Europe, or in the growing pressure on energy systems, such as in Texas.
At the same time, the advances and decisions made this week also show that solutions are in motion.
The European Union’s ambitious climate target, Japan’s innovation with biodegradable plastics, and the growth of renewable energy in Texas demonstrate that it is possible to respond responsibly and innovatively to environmental challenges.
Therefore, we recommend that you continue to follow the developments of Environmental news this week, as understanding these transformations is essential to act consciously.
By the way, if you live somewhere hot, it is very important that you stay up to date with the news to prepare for and face heat waves. To do this, we recommend that you follow the news on the news channel live stream.