Mexico, ’s howler monkeys dropping dead as heat toll mounts
Howler monkeys in Mexico’s southeastern tropical forests are dying from dehydration due to a nationwide drought and heat waves.
Howler monkeys in Mexico’s southeastern tropical forests are dying from dehydration due to a nationwide drought and heat waves.
First major wildfires of the season have spread to roughly 10,000 hectares across Western Canada. Evacuation orders issued for communities in British Columbia due to poor air quality. Residents in Northern Rockies Regional Municipality and Fort Nelson First Nations evacuated as blaze nearly doubled in size. Fire in Fort McMurray, an oil hub, was tamed by favorable weather. Alberta recorded 43 active fires, including one near Fort McMurray. Fire started by fallen tree on power line. Evacuation alerts in place for several communities as precaution. Smoke in Fort McMurray from fires in British Columbia. Environment Canada issued special air quality statement for several provinces. Canada warned of “catastrophic” wildfire season ahead due to warm winter and ongoing drought.
Jose Raul Mulino won the presidential election in Panama, replacing his former boss Ricardo Martinelli on the ballot. Mulino’s pro-investment and pro-business government plans to prioritize unity and addressing economic issues. He faces the challenge of mending social divisions and restoring faith in the government. Mulino plans to focus on infrastructure investment, higher minimum wage, and job creation. The new government will also need to address issues like corruption, public debt, and the closure of a major copper mine. Mulino will take office on July 1 for a five-year term.
A timelapse video released by meteo.gr/National Observatory of Athens shows how African dust turned the landscape orange in Athens on April 23rd and 24th. The phenomenon, known as “Minerva Red,” may occur again until mid-May. Professor Dimosthenis Sarigiannis warned of increased frequency of African dust due to climate change, which adds to existing particle pollution in urban centers like Athens. The National Health System needs to be prepared for acute cases resulting from such episodes.
Fact: Cyprus was the first country in the world to take timber production off its list of objectives for the national forests in the mid-1980s.
Fact: Jose Mourinho stated that he did not have the same level of support and trust at Manchester United during his tenure as current manager Erik ten Hag.
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan visited Iraq to improve relations and discuss deals on energy, trade, and security cooperation against Kurdish PKK militants. Erdogan emphasized Turkey’s expectations for Iraq to help in the battle against the PKK. Cooperation on economic projects and securing water from the Tigris and Euphrates rivers were also discussed. Bilateral trade between Turkey and Iraq was worth .9 billion in 2023. Erdogan also planned to meet with Iraqi Kurdish officials during his visit.
Fact: Deforestation and the uncontrolled use of forests have led to an alarming decline in the number of trees worldwide, causing the climate crisis to worsen.
Fact: The 88th Masters Tournament is set to begin in Augusta, Georgia, with Scottie Scheffler, Jon Rahm, Rory McIlroy, and Tiger Woods among the notable players participating.