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The World's Fastest-Sinking Coastal Cities

Rising sea levels pose a threat to the future of coastal cities around the world, but another major concern is the sinking of the cities themselves. Known as "Relative Local Land Subsidence" (RLLS), this phenomenon occurs when underground materials compact or collapse, causing the surface above to sink. This subsidence can exacerbate the effects of rising sea levels, which are currently averaging 3.7 mm/year, making it a crucial metric to track for coastal communities. Using research that monitored changes in land subsidence in 48 high-population coastal cities located within 50 kilometers of the coastline between 2014 and 2020, Planet Anomaly mapped the fastest-sinking coastal cities across the globe. Key Findings: Out of the 44 sinking coastal cities observed to be sinking faster than sea levels were rising, 30 are located in Asia. Tianjin, China, and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, lead the list of the fastest-sinking coastal cities overall, experiencing peak Relative Local
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Hippopotamus distribution in Africa

Hippos, scientifically known as Hippopotamus amphibius , are fascinating creatures that inhabit the rivers, lakes, and swamps of sub-Saharan Africa. These semi-aquatic mammals are renowned for their hefty build, with adult males typically weighing between 1,500 to 3,200 kilograms (3,300 to 7,100 pounds) and measuring up to 3.5 meters (11.5 feet) in length, while females are slightly smaller. Despite their imposing size, hippos are surprisingly agile both in water and on land. These animals boast a unique adaptation: their eyes, ears, and nostrils are located high on their heads, allowing them to remain mostly submerged while still able to see, hear, and breathe. Hippos are predominantly herbivorous, feeding on grasses and aquatic plants during the night, when they venture onto land in search of food. Their thick, barrel-shaped bodies are well-suited to their aquatic lifestyle, allowing them to spend most of their days submerged in water to regulate their body temperature and avoid the

French Artists' 1899 Vision of Life in the Year 2000

 Atomic physicist Niels Bohr is famously quoted as saying, “Prediction is very difficult, especially if it’s about the future.” Yet despite years of inaccuracies, magazines persist in publishing think pieces on where we might be in the coming decades or centuries. It provides us with a sense of hope, even though inventions like personal jetpacks and moon colonies are long overdue. However, it's Isaac Asimov who seems to possess the only set of postcards titled En L’An 2000 , a collection of around 87 artist cards that were originally distributed as inserts in cigar boxes in 1899, just in time for the 1900 World Exhibition in Paris. Translated as “France in the 21st Century,” these cards feature interpretations by Jean-Marc Côté and other illustrators of how we might be living... well, 23 years ago. The history behind the production of these cards is quite convoluted, with the original commissioning company going out of business before distributing them. Whether this company was

How Much Longer Can you Live if you Breathed Clean Air?

Air pollution presents significant challenges to human health and well-being, impacting atmospheric visibility and exacerbating climate change. With the escalation of social and economic activities, human-induced PM2.5 pollution from intensive human actions has resulted in severe air pollution . PM2.5 pollution refers to particulate matter that has a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or smaller. It comprises an intricate blend of solids and aerosols, including tiny liquid droplets, dry solid particles, and solid cores coated with liquid. These particles are minuscule and can remain suspended in the air for long periods, making them easily inhalable. PM2.5 pollution primarily originates from sources such as vehicle exhaust, industrial emissions, construction activities, and wildfires. Exposure to PM2.5 pollution is associated with a range of adverse health effects, including respiratory and cardiovascular problems . When inhaled, these fine particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and eve

Share of World Forests by Country

The global forest cover comprises over three trillion trees . Approximately half of these trees (1.3 trillion) are found in the tropics and subtropics, while about one-fourth (0.74 trillion) are in the boreal regions, and one-fifth (0.66 trillion) in temperate regions. So, how does this distribution look on a country-by-country basis? Utilizing data from the World Bank , the VisualCapitalist team illustrated each country's share of the world's total forest area. Naturally, larger countries typically boast more forested areas, resulting in a higher percentage of the world's forests . At the forefront of the list, Russia claims over one-fifth of the world's forests, encompassing a vast expanse of 8 million km2, which is slightly less than half of the entire country. Following closely, Brazil, the fifth-largest and sixth-most populated nation, ranks second with just over 12% of the total forests, covering close to 5 million km2, over 60% of its landmass. Its prominent fo

How to Choose the Best Solar Power Products

Solar energy stands out as a cost-effective and eco-friendly solution for powering homes and businesses, solidifying its position as the leading renewable energy source worldwide, according to the United Nations . Despite its promising prospects, the slow adoption of solar panels is partly attributed to quality concerns. However, recent technological advancements have significantly enhanced their reliability. Nevertheless, not all solar panels guarantee a dependable energy supply for your property. Recognizing that quality comes at a premium, investing more in superior solar panels can offer substantial long-term benefits. With top-tier solar products, one can enjoy uninterrupted electricity for up to three decades, alleviating concerns about soaring energy bills. For those contemplating the transition to solar energy, Amazon provides a convenient platform for acquiring solar panels and associated equipment. Yet, amidst the abundance of options, selecting the most suitable solar panel