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Earth Science

Unprecedented Flooding Devastates Yellowstone National Park, Forcing Closures and Evacuations

by Peter
written by Peter

Extreme Flooding Devastates Yellowstone National Park, Forcing Closures and Evacuations

Unprecedented Flooding

Yellowstone National Park has been hit by unprecedented flooding, forcing the closure of all park entrances due to “extremely hazardous conditions,” according to a statement from park officials. The extreme weather has also caused significant damage to homes and infrastructure in communities near the park.

Causes of the Flooding

The flooding was caused by heavy rains that fell over the weekend and into Monday, brought by a storm system known as an “atmospheric river.” This surge of concentrated moisture swept in from the Pacific Ocean and across the northern Rockies, also bringing record rainfall to Washington and Oregon last week.

Prior to the storm, unseasonably warm temperatures in the Rockies caused increased snowmelt, which contributed to the flooding. The Yellowstone River and its tributary, the Gardner River, received an “unprecedented” amount of rain, causing the Yellowstone River’s waters to rise from 6 feet to 15 feet in just 24 hours.

Damage and Evacuations

The flooding has caused significant damage to roads and bridges, including a washed-out bridge over Rescue Creek. Rock slides have also occurred, further hindering access to the park.

Entire homes have been swept away by the floodwaters, and many residents are stranded in their homes or have been evacuated. Emergency responders are conducting airlifts to rescue people from their homes and from the water.

Impacted Communities

The flooding has had a devastating impact on communities near the park, including Gardiner, Cooke City, and Silver Gate, Montana. These towns are isolated due to washed-out roads and bridges.

Response and Recovery

Park staff evacuated visitors from the northern section of the park, where there were multiple road and bridge failures, mudslides, and other issues. They also moved visitors out of the park’s southern loop due to concerns about water and wastewater.

Montana’s Governor, Greg Gianforte, issued a statewide disaster declaration to help impacted communities recover.

150th Anniversary Commemorations Affected

The flooding will likely affect the park’s 150th anniversary commemorations this year. The park’s headquarters, museum, and archives are located at the northern entrance, which is currently closed. The Roosevelt Arch, where Native American groups planned to erect a teepee village, is also located at the northern entrance.

Ongoing Situation

The park’s entrances will remain closed through at least Wednesday, and possibly longer, depending on the severity of the damage and the time needed for repairs. Park officials are monitoring the situation and will provide updates as more information becomes available.

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Climate Science

Climate Activists Protest Fossil Fuel Subsidies in Rome’s Trevi Fountain, Highlighting Climate Crisis and Flood Devastation

by Rosa
written by Rosa

Climate Activists Protest Fossil Fuel Subsidies in Rome’s Trevi Fountain

The Protest

On Sunday, climate activists with the group Ultima Generazione (Last Generation) staged a protest in Rome’s iconic Trevi Fountain. They dyed the water black to symbolize the deadly floods that have recently devastated northern Italy and to highlight the need to address climate change.

The activists held signs that read “We won’t pay for fossil [fuels]” and “The black future that awaits mankind.” They dumped a vegetable-based dye with charcoal into the fountain, causing the water to turn a dark black color. The protest lasted about 15 minutes before police officers arrived and dragged the activists out of the water. All eight were arrested.

The Flooding in Northern Italy

The protest was prompted by the extreme flooding that has occurred in the northern Italian region of Emilia-Romagna. The flooding has killed 14 people and left thousands homeless. For months, the region had been experiencing a severe drought. When heavy rainfall hit, the compacted soil could not absorb the water, leading to widespread flooding.

Scientists have linked the flooding to the climate crisis. As the Earth’s temperature rises, extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and intense.

The Climate Crisis

The activists’ protest was also a call to action to address the climate crisis. They cited a recent report from the World Meteorological Organization, which predicted that the Earth is likely to temporarily exceed the critical 1.5-degree Celsius warming threshold within the next five years.

The activists argued that continued subsidies for fossil fuels are contributing to the climate crisis and that we need to transition to renewable energy sources.

Response to the Protest

Rome’s mayor, Roberto Gualtieri, condemned the protest and said that the fountain would need to be emptied and the dyed water disposed of. He said that this would be a significant and costly undertaking.

Members of Ultima Generazione have made headlines recently for gluing themselves to artwork to bring attention to the climate emergency. These protests have been part of a worldwide trend of activists targeting artwork to raise awareness about the issue.

Damage to Cultural Heritage Sites

Ultima Generazione noted in its statement that culturally important sites in Emilia-Romagna, including museums, the Medieval-era Santa Maria del Monte Abbey, and a library, have been damaged as a result of the flooding.

The activists argued that the damage to these sites highlights the need to take action on climate change to protect our cultural heritage.

Safety Plan for Monuments

Luisa Regimenti, councilor for personnel, urban security, local police, and local authorities in Italy’s Lazio region, said that a safety plan is needed to protect monuments and works of art from climate activism.

She said that the black dye protest was a “serious gesture” and that it must be stopped.

Call to Action

Ultima Generazione called on people to join their movement and to demand action on climate change. They said that we cannot continue to ignore the devastating impacts of climate change and that we need to take action now to protect our planet and our future.

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Environmental Science

Protecting Mediterranean’s Cultural Heritage from Rising Sea Levels and Erosion

by Rosa
written by Rosa

Rising Sea Levels Threaten Mediterranean’s Historical Treasures

Historical Sites at Risk

The Mediterranean coast is home to a wealth of significant cultural heritage sites, from the ancient Phoenician port city of Tyre to the picturesque streets of Croatia’s Old City of Dubrovnik. However, these landmarks are facing a serious threat from rising sea levels and coastal erosion.

A recent study has identified 47 UNESCO World Heritage sites along the Mediterranean coast that are at imminent risk of flooding or erosion. Within the next 100 years, 37 of these sites could be significantly damaged by a 100-year storm surge event, while 42 are already threatened by coastal erosion.

Impact of Sea Level Rise

Sea level rise is caused by the melting of glaciers and ice caps due to global warming. As the oceans expand and warm, they exert greater pressure on coastal areas, leading to flooding and erosion.

In the Mediterranean region, sea level rise is projected to increase by 50% by 2100, putting many historical sites at risk. The study found that even under conservative projections, over 90% of the sites examined are at risk, and conditions will continue to decline.

Erosion and Flooding

Coastal erosion occurs when waves and currents wear away at the shoreline, causing cliffs to crumble and beaches to disappear. In the Mediterranean, erosion is particularly severe in areas with soft, sandy coastlines.

Flooding is another major threat to coastal heritage sites. As sea levels rise, storm surges and high tides can inundate low-lying areas, damaging buildings and infrastructure. In Venice, up to 98% of the city and its saltwater lagoon could be submerged in a worst-case flooding scenario.

Vulnerability of Mediterranean Sites

The Mediterranean coast is particularly vulnerable to sea level rise and erosion because early human civilizations settled near the water. For centuries, this proximity to the sea has been a source of prosperity and cultural exchange. However, it now poses a significant threat to the region’s cultural heritage.

Adaptation Measures

Protecting Mediterranean historical sites from sea level rise and erosion requires innovative adaptation measures. Some cities, like Venice, have already installed submerged floodgates to combat flooding. However, such measures are costly and can only provide limited protection.

Long-term solutions will require a combination of approaches, including:

  • Restoring and protecting natural coastal defenses, such as wetlands and sand dunes
  • Relocating vulnerable structures and infrastructure away from at-risk areas
  • Implementing sustainable land-use planning to avoid further development in high-risk zones

Role of Climate Change Mitigation

Ultimately, the best way to protect Mediterranean historical sites from sea level rise is to mitigate climate change. By reducing greenhouse gas emissions and pursuing the goals of the Paris Agreement, we can limit future increases in flood and erosion risks.

Conclusion

The rising sea levels and coastal erosion pose a serious threat to the Mediterranean’s rich cultural heritage. Innovative adaptation measures and climate change mitigation efforts are essential to preserve these iconic landmarks for future generations.

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