Relying less on cars and switching to walking and cycling improves both our health and the environment. A recent study quantifies these benefits in financial terms to inform active transport projects and policies. It demonstrates how benefits from increased physical activity outweigh any costs of increased exposure to air pollution.

Man-made pollutants may be responsible for the expansion of the tropics in the northern hemisphere, according to recent research. Black carbon aerosols and tropospheric ozone, formed from human activities, are heating the atmosphere and shifting major atmospheric circulation patterns further north, which could create drier conditions in the subtropics.

Global air quality will significantly deteriorate by 2050 unless further steps are taken to cut current emissions from human activities, according to recent research. Most people around the world will be affected by worsening air quality with hotspots of particularly poor air occurring in China, northern India and the Middle East.

A recent global study has estimated that, each year, 1.5 million people die early from cardiopulmonary diseases and 0.1 million people die early from lung cancer caused by exposure to PM2.5 pollution. A further 0.4 million people are estimated to die early from respiratory diseases caused by exposure to surface ozone (O3) pollution. Although short-lived air pollutants have the largest influence on air quality and premature deaths, controlling methane emissions as well would improve air quality and reduce the number of people dying prematurely each year, the study suggests.

For the first time, researchers have quantified the link between heat waves, the removal of ozone from the atmosphere by vegetation, ground-level ozone concentrations and its impact on human health and ecosystems. They found that high ozone levels, enhanced by effectively ‘turning-off’ the loss of ozone to the vegetated surface, could have caused around 460 extra deaths during a UK heat wave in 2006. In contrast, the heat wave protected ecosystems from ozone damage as plants absorbed less ozone from the atmosphere.ozone damage as plants absorbed less ozone from the atmosphere.

Industrial emissions of black carbon were responsible for the retreat of the glaciers in the European Alps that marked the end of the so-called ‘Little Ice Age’, according to a new study. The researchers explain how black carbon deposits could have caused glaciers to melt more rapidly from the mid-19th century and suggest that human activities were already having a visible influence on the climate before the effects of carbon dioxide were evident.

‘Critical levels’ of ozone exposure for plants, above which significant adverse effects may occur, are currently calculated by examining ozone’s impacts on only a small number of species. However, researchers have now compared this measure with a new approach which examines all species in a group, and defines the critical levels as the concentration at which 5% of species are affected. These critical levels, which may be more suitable for semi-natural ecosystems, are stricter than current standards.

Cyclists with pollution monitors and GPS trackers attached to their bicycles have produced detailed maps of Antwerp’s air quality, as part of a recent study. Their data show that a gap of just a few metres between cycle lanes and cars significantly reduces cyclists’ risk of inhaling high levels of ultrafine particle pollution.

Careful planting and pruning is needed to ensure that air pollution in tree-lined streets is minimised, new research suggests. While planting trees in urban areas can have many benefits, such as enhancing biodiversity, trees can trap particulate matter pollution, say the study’s authors.

Groups of chemicals used as flame retardants were present in the bodies of Antarctic rock cod (Trematomus bernacchii), young gentoo penguin (Pygoscelis papua), and brown skua seabird (Stercorarius antarcticus) collected from King George Island, Antarctica. This study is the first to find some of these chemicals in Antarctica, confirming that they undergo long-range transport and can reach isolated areas where they are not widely produced or used.

Oxygen decline is occurring in many of the world’s oceans and has important consequences for marine ecosystems, but the causes are not fully understood. Aerosol pollutants may be partly responsible, according to a new study which modelled the effects of atmospheric pollution over the Pacific Ocean. The findings suggest that air pollution can exacerbate climate impacts on the ocean, even when the source is far away.

A technique called reflectance spectroscopy is the subject of a new literature review focusing on the use of this tool to study the effects of air pollution on vegetation. In particular, the researchers suggest that the technique could be more widely applied in the Mediterranean region, to study the effects of climate change and air pollution, which will be detrimental to crop growth as well as other vegetation. It could also be used as a more general biomonitoring technique for assessing pollutant levels in the environment.

It is important to understand the extent to which atmospheric (air) pollution damages plants (i.e. its phytotoxicity) as well as the wider ecosystem (i.e. its ecotoxicity). For this reason, researchers have adapted the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Vegetative Vigour Test1 for the assessment of the ecotoxicity of samples of aerosol (suspensions of fine solid particles or liquid droplets in air). Typically, the test involves spraying the trial liquid on above-ground portions of the plant, such as the leaves. The adapted protocol involves extracting water-soluble aerosol compounds from aerosol samples to spray on the plant. The new protocol is sensitive enough to determine phytotoxicity and establish a clear cause–effect relationship, and as such has the potential to serve as a useful tool for the assessment of the effects of air pollution on environmental and human health.

The most important findings from over a decade of research into environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs), a new class of environmental pollutants, are presented in a recent review. These toxic particles could be partly responsible for some of the health problems, such as asthma, associated with particulate matter (PM) exposure. The researchers issue a warning that some engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) could increase levels of EPFRs in the environment.

New research suggests that feral oilseed rape poses little risk of contaminating crops, but if the oilseed is genetically modified (GM), it could be a minor source of GM traits in weeds. Throughout Europe, feral oilseed rape is now widespread on waysides and wasteland, making it potentially more problematic than some other crops, such as maize, which do not easily establish feral populations.

Applying a low voltage to polluted river sediment can boost microbes’ natural ability to degrade harmful polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) contaminants, according to a new study. The approach could be a cost-effective, sustainable strategy to bioremediate polluted sites.

Differences in the way wetland plants accumulate pollutants are helping researchers understand how vegetation can be used to help restore contaminated marshes. In a study by Belgian researchers, certain plants, including bulrushes, were identified as being potentially useful for locking away metal contaminants below the surface, thereby helping to reduce spread of these pollutants through food chains and to the wider environment.

Bioremediation is a technique that harnesses the power of nature to treat contaminated soils and groundwater. This study explored a technology that is effective at capturing groundwater pollutants and shows promise in extreme environments — the Permeable Reactive Barrier (PRB).

The effects of antibiotic contamination may be attenuated by the common reed, new research shows. The study found that the common reed (Phragmites australis), sourced from a temperate estuary with brackish water, had capacity for the bioremediation of the veterinary antibiotic enrofloxacin (ENR). The authors suggest that salt-marsh plants and their associated micro-organisms could be a valuable asset in the recovery of contaminated estuary environments.

Assessments of the effects on organisms likely to come into contact with genetically modified (GM) plants have been reviewed in a recent study. The researchers say such assessments help to understand the potential ecological impacts within the environment and are an important part of the risk assessments for GM plants.

As part of the county’s response to the rapidly evolving COVID-19 situation, view Parks, Recreation and Community Services closures and operating status information.

Grey has made a grown up acquisition, Myke is having a laundry situation, and they both discuss working effectively in different locations.

Grey needs recommendations, Myke tests a new ergonomic arrangement, and they both answer some #askcortex questions.

New tool helps Housing Connector place individuals and families experiencing homelessness into privately owned homes and apartments quickly and efficiently

CBS San Antonio

Cricket: Usman Khawaja joined the Fox Sports News desk and gave his opinion about the recent developments at Cricket Australia and what he would like to improve.

Anthony Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn says he does not want to stage the world heavyweight champion's next defence of his title behind closed doors.

Harry Potter star Miriam Margolyes left British viewers shocked as she unleashed a vile rant saying she “wanted Boris Johnson to die” from the coronavirus.

Josh Shaw returned his best figures of the season as Gloucestershire gained the upper hand by bowling Middlesex out on the opening day of their County Championship clash in Northwood.

THE hospitality industry has reacted with both optimism and trepidation to the news that venues will soon be able to serve a small number of in-house diners.

Driving up the long curved path up to The Grove always feels like a treat, and none more so than on last Friday evening when I was invited to try the hotel’s newly refurbished restaurant.

Watford town centre's fantastic range of restaurants, pubs, and bars have teamed up for the third consecutive year to celebrate Watford Food & Drink Week. From Monday, June 17, to Sunday, June 23, you can enjoy special drinks offers, free samples and discounted set menus throughout the town centre.

If The Florist is cool and charming, its new downstairs neighbour, Las Iguanas, is all about fun and colour.

A NIGHT out at the Alban Arena’s Christmas panto in St Albans has become a tradition each year for many families and groups, as it has, I’m glad to say, for ours too.

The post ‘Golden goose’ of salt tolerant wheat varieties to begin field trials appeared first on The Lead SA.

The post IBM deal to fast track quantum chip development appeared first on The Lead SA.

The post Satellite tracking helping to conserve globally important bird habitat appeared first on The Lead SA.

Watford’s survival hopes have suffered another blow after they threw away a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 to ten-man Everton at the death at Vicarage Road.

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 000
 WTNT84 KNHC 140307
 TCVAT4
 
 HUMBERTO WATCH/WARNING ADVISORY NUMBER 6
 NWS NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL     AL092019
 1107 PM EDT FRI SEP 13 2019
 
 .TROPICAL STORM HUMBERTO
 
 CAUTION...THIS PRODUCT ONLY APPROXIMATELY CONVEYS THE EXTENT OF
 TROPICAL CYCLONE WIND AND SURGE WATCHES AND WARNINGS. PLEASE SEE
 THE LATEST PUBLIC ADVISORY FROM THE NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER FOR
 THE PRECISE LATERAL EXTENT OF WIND WATCHES AND WARNINGS ALONG THE
 COAST...AS WELL AS THE APPROXIMATE LATERAL EXTENT OF SURGE WATCHES
 AND WARNINGS. THE PRECISE EXTENT OF SURGE WATCHES AND WARNINGS
 CAN BE FOUND IN THE NWS NATIONAL DIGITAL FORECAST DATABASE HAZARD
 GRIDS.
 
 FLZ047-054-059-064-141-147-140415-
 /O.CAN.KNHC.TR.A.1009.000000T0000Z-000000T0000Z/
 1107 PM EDT FRI SEP 13 2019
 
 $$
 
 ATTN...WFO...MLB...
 

 
 000
 FONT15 KNHC 250232
 PWSAT5
 
 POST-TROPICAL CYCLONE SEBASTIEN WIND SPEED PROBABILITIES NUMBER  23
 NWS NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL       AL202019
 0300 UTC MON NOV 25 2019
 
 AT 0300Z THE CENTER OF POST-TROPICAL CYCLONE SEBASTIEN WAS LOCATED
 NEAR LATITUDE 41.0 NORTH...LONGITUDE 28.9 WEST WITH MAXIMUM
 SUSTAINED WINDS NEAR 50 KTS...60 MPH...95 KM/H.
 
 Z INDICATES COORDINATED UNIVERSAL TIME (GREENWICH)
    ATLANTIC STANDARD TIME (AST)...SUBTRACT 4 HOURS FROM Z TIME
    EASTERN  DAYLIGHT TIME (EDT)...SUBTRACT 4 HOURS FROM Z TIME
    CENTRAL  DAYLIGHT TIME (CDT)...SUBTRACT 5 HOURS FROM Z TIME
 
 WIND SPEED PROBABILITY TABLE FOR SPECIFIC LOCATIONS
 
 CHANCES OF SUSTAINED (1-MINUTE AVERAGE) WIND SPEEDS OF AT LEAST
    ...34 KT (39 MPH... 63 KM/H)...
    ...50 KT (58 MPH... 93 KM/H)...
    ...64 KT (74 MPH...119 KM/H)...
 FOR LOCATIONS AND TIME PERIODS DURING THE NEXT 5 DAYS
 
 PROBABILITIES FOR LOCATIONS ARE GIVEN AS OP(CP) WHERE
     OP  IS THE PROBABILITY OF THE EVENT BEGINNING DURING
         AN INDIVIDUAL TIME PERIOD (ONSET PROBABILITY)
    (CP) IS THE PROBABILITY OF THE EVENT OCCURRING BETWEEN
         00Z MON AND THE FORECAST HOUR (CUMULATIVE PROBABILITY)
 
 PROBABILITIES ARE GIVEN IN PERCENT
 X INDICATES PROBABILITIES LESS THAN 1 PERCENT
 PROBABILITIES FOR 34 KT AND 50 KT ARE SHOWN AT A GIVEN LOCATION WHEN
 THE 5-DAY CUMULATIVE PROBABILITY IS AT LEAST 3 PERCENT.
 PROBABILITIES FOR 34...50...64 KT SHOWN WHEN THE 5-DAY
 64-KT CUMULATIVE PROBABILITY IS AT LEAST 1 PERCENT.
 
 
   - - - - WIND SPEED PROBABILITIES FOR SELECTED LOCATIONS - - - -
 
                FROM    FROM    FROM    FROM    FROM    FROM    FROM
   TIME       00Z MON 12Z MON 00Z TUE 12Z TUE 00Z WED 00Z THU 00Z FRI
 PERIODS         TO      TO      TO      TO      TO      TO      TO
              12Z MON 00Z TUE 12Z TUE 00Z WED 00Z THU 00Z FRI 00Z SAT
 
 FORECAST HOUR    (12)   (24)    (36)    (48)    (72)    (96)   (120)
 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
 LOCATION       KT
 
 SANTA CRUZ AZO 34 99   X(99)   X(99)   X(99)   X(99)   X(99)   X(99)
 
 PONTA DELGADA  34  5   X( 5)   X( 5)   X( 5)   X( 5)   X( 5)   X( 5)
 
 $$
 FORECASTER LATTO
 

000
WTPZ34 KNHC 210234
TCPEP4

BULLETIN
Remnants Of Priscilla Advisory Number 4
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL EP192019
1000 PM CDT Sun Oct 20 2019

...PRISCILLA DISSIPATES OVER SOUTHWESTERN MEXICO...
...HEAVY RAINFALL EXPECTED TO CONTINUE...


SUMMARY OF 1000 PM CDT...0300 UTC...INFORMATION
-----------------------------------------------
LOCATION...20.0N 104.7W
ABOUT 70 MI...115 KM ESE OF CABO CORRIENTES MEXICO
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...30 MPH...45 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT...NNW OR 345 DEGREES AT 10 MPH...17 KM/H
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...1005 MB...29.68 INCHES


WATCHES AND WARNINGS
--------------------
There are no coastal watches or warnings in effect.


DISCUSSION AND OUTLOOK
----------------------
At 1000 PM CDT (0300 UTC), the remnants of Priscilla were located
near latitude 20.0 North, longitude 104.7 West. The remnants are
moving toward the north-northwest near 10 mph (17 km/h).

Maximum sustained winds are near 30 mph (45 km/h) with higher gusts.

The estimated minimum central pressure is 1005 mb (29.68 inches).


HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND
----------------------
RAINFALL: The remnants of Priscilla are expected to produce
rainfall accumulations of 5 to 10 inches, with local amounts to 15
inches, across portions of Nayarit, Jalisco, Colima, and Michoacan
in southwestern Mexico through Tuesday night. This rainfall could
produce flash flooding and mudslides within steep terrain.


NEXT ADVISORY
-------------
This is the last public advisory issued by the National Hurricane
Center on Priscilla.

$$
Forecaster Cangialosi

000
WTNT61 KNHC 171827
TCUAT1

Tropical Storm Imelda Tropical Cyclone Update
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL AL112019
130 PM CDT Tue Sep 17 2019

...TROPICAL STORM IMELDA MAKES LANDFALL NEAR FREEPORT TEXAS...
...HEAVY RAINFALL AND THREAT OF FLASH FLOODING WILL SPREAD INLAND...

NOAA Doppler radar data and surface observations indicate that
Tropical Storm Imelda made landfall near Freeport, Texas at
100 PM CDT with maximum sustained winds of 40 mph.

A National Ocean Service observing site at Freeport, Texas reported
a minimum pressure near 1005 mb (29.68 inches) around the time of
landfall.

SUMMARY OF 130 PM CDT...1830 UTC...INFORMATION
---------------------------------------------------
LOCATION...29.0N 95.3W
ABOUT 0 MI...0 KM S OF FREEPORT TEXAS
ABOUT 35 MI...55 KM SW OF GALVESTON TEXAS
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...40 MPH...65 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT...N OR 5 DEGREES AT 7 MPH...11 KM/H
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...1005 MB...29.68 INCHES

$$
Forecaster Zelinsky/Brown

 
 000
 WTNT82 KNHC 250947
 TCVAT2
 
 KAREN WATCH/WARNING ADVISORY NUMBER 13
 NWS NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL     AL122019
 547 AM EDT WED SEP 25 2019
 
 .TROPICAL STORM KAREN
 
 CAUTION...THIS PRODUCT ONLY APPROXIMATELY CONVEYS THE EXTENT OF
 TROPICAL CYCLONE WIND AND SURGE WATCHES AND WARNINGS. PLEASE SEE
 THE LATEST PUBLIC ADVISORY FROM THE NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER FOR
 THE PRECISE LATERAL EXTENT OF WIND WATCHES AND WARNINGS ALONG THE
 COAST...AS WELL AS THE APPROXIMATE LATERAL EXTENT OF SURGE WATCHES
 AND WARNINGS. THE PRECISE EXTENT OF SURGE WATCHES AND WARNINGS
 CAN BE FOUND IN THE NWS NATIONAL DIGITAL FORECAST DATABASE HAZARD
 GRIDS.
 
 PRZ001>013-VIZ001-002-251100-
 /O.CAN.KNHC.TR.W.1012.000000T0000Z-000000T0000Z/
 547 AM AST WED SEP 25 2019
 
 $$
 
 ATTN...WFO...SJU...
 

 
 000
 FKPZ24 KNHC 210234
 TCAPZ4
 
 REMNANTS OF PRISCILLA ICAO ADVISORY NUMBER   4
 NWS NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL       EP192019
 0300 UTC MON OCT 21 2019
 
 TC ADVISORY
 DTG:                      20191021/0300Z
 TCAC:                     KNHC
 TC:                       PRISCILLA
 NR:                       004
 PSN:                      N2000 W10442
 MOV:                      NNW 09KT
 C:                        1005HPA
 MAX WIND:                 025KT
 FCST PSN +6 HR:           21/0900Z N2036 W10450
 FCST MAX WIND +6 HR:      020KT
 FCST PSN +12 HR:          21/1500Z N//// W/////
 FCST MAX WIND +12 HR:     ///KT
 FCST PSN +18 HR:          21/2100Z N//// W/////
 FCST MAX WIND +18 HR:     ///KT
 FCST PSN +24 HR:          22/0300Z N//// W/////
 FCST MAX WIND +24 HR:     ///KT
 RMK:                      THE FORECAST POSITION INFORMATION IN
                           THIS PRODUCT IS INTERPOLATED FROM
                           OFFICIAL FORECAST DATA VALID AT 0000...
                           0600...1200...AND 1800Z.
 NXT MSG:                  NO MSG EXP
 
 ..