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Showing posts from June, 2019

European temperatures are rising, most record temperatures have occurred in the past 20 years

Over the past two decades, Europe has witnessed a notable shift in temperature patterns, primarily driven by the global phenomenon of climate change.  One of the most prominent and consistent trends in Europe over the last 20 years has been a significant increase in average temperatures. Each decade has been warmer than the previous one, with some years experiencing record-breaking temperatures. This warming trend is in line with the broader global climate change phenomenon. Moreover, Europe has experienced a higher frequency and intensity of heatwaves during this period. These heatwaves can have severe consequences, including health risks, stress on infrastructure, and agricultural challenges. The summer of 2003 stands out as a particularly devastating heatwave , with thousands of fatalities recorded across the continent. This particular set of data created by Reddit user sdbernard clearly shows two significant observations: - Most recorded record temperatures in Europe have occurred

Evolution of human density

The evolution of human population density is a complex and dynamic process influenced by a variety of factors over millennia. Here's a brief overview of the key stages in the evolution of human population density: Hunter-Gatherer Societies (Pre-agricultural Era) For most of human history, our ancestors lived as nomadic hunter-gatherers. Population density during this era was extremely low, with small groups of humans scattered across vast areas. These societies had to roam to find food and were limited by the carrying capacity of their environments. Agricultural Revolution (10,000 BCE) The development of agriculture marked a significant turning point . With the cultivation of crops and domestication of animals, humans began settling in one place to tend to their farms. This led to the establishment of villages and towns, resulting in higher population densities. Urbanization and Early Civilizations (3,000-2,000 BCE) The emergence of early civilizations, such as Mesopotamia, Egypt,

Fossil Fuel Production by Country

Coal, oil, and gas continue to play a major role in global energy systems, accounting for around 82% of the world's energy supply. The U.S. is the biggest overall producer, producing just under 20% of all world's fossil fuels, followed by Russia and Iran. The US  is the biggest oil producer, producing 18% of the world‘s oil, followed by Saudi Arabia and Russia. The USA is also the largest natural gas producer, producing nearly 20% of all natural gas. Russia is also a gas powerhouse, with a 17.3% share. China produces a whopping 45% of the world’s coal. Via www.911metallurgist.com

The Periodic Table of the Elements in Danger

Certain elements in the periodic table are considered endangered or scarce due to limited natural abundance and high demand for various industrial and technological applications. These elements are often referred to as "critical elements" or "strategic elements" because their scarcity can have significant economic and geopolitical implications. One such element is rare earth elements (REEs), a group of 17 elements that includes lanthanides and scandium. REEs are crucial for the production of high-tech products like smartphones, electric vehicle batteries, and renewable energy technologies. China currently dominates the global supply of REEs, raising concerns about supply chain vulnerabilities and price volatility. Another critical element is helium (He), which is essential for applications like MRI machines, semiconductor manufacturing, and scientific research. Helium is relatively rare on Earth and is often extracted from natural gas reserves. Ensuring a stable s

Effect of the climate change on the US habitat of Burmese python (2000 vs 2100)

The Burmese python ( Python bivittatus ) is one of the largest snake species in the world, native to Southeast Asia. Known for its impressive size and attractive patterns, it can reach lengths of up to 23 feet (7 meters). Burmese pythons are non-venomous constrictors and are popular in the exotic pet trade. In the United States, particularly in Florida, they have become invasive due to escaped or released pets, causing ecological concerns and impacting native wildlife. Climate change is having a notable effect on the habitat of the Burmese python in the United States. Native to Southeast Asia, Burmese pythons were introduced to the Florida Everglades through the exotic pet trade. In recent years, they have become an invasive species with a rapidly expanding population, and their presence is exacerbated by the changing climate. Below result from modeling the spatial distribution of the Burmese python in 2000 vs 2100 created by the USGS . Warmer temperatures in Florida due to climate