Eco Minute 13:30

BULLETIN 10 January 1:30 pm

Good afternoon, here is your Eco Minute

# A recent paper in the Journal Nature indicates that nearly 25-percent of the 23-thousand-500 freshwater species are at risk of extinction, classified as vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered. Freshwater Conservation Committee co-chairperson, Ian Harrison, addressed causes including pollution and climate change. Harrison emphasised that freshwater ecosystems are vital biodiversity reservoirs, but remain threatened. He urges action to address pollution, habitat loss, and invasive species:

# The remains of a man discovered near an Austrian glacier have been identified as that of a German mountaineer who died almost 60 years ago. Climate change has accelerated the melting of glaciers, with the retreating ice releasing bodies of climbers it has held for years, often decades. The German man’s remains were discovered last year in the Tyrol province in western Austria. He was reported missing in March 1967 after he fell into a crevasse while crossing the Wasserfallferner glacier on skis with a companion.

# And finally: The death toll from the five Los Angeles wildfires has now risen to ten, as weather forecasters warn more high winds may fan the flames further. As many as ten-thousand structures have been destroyed in the coastal Palisades fire, which is the largest blaze and is only six-percent contained. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Police Department says a man has been taken into custody on suspicion of arson, after allegedly attempting to light a fire in the Woodlands Hills area.

Stay tuned for more news………….