The Japan Times

Featured

Biathlon great Fourcade refuses to 'sacrifice convictions' for 2030 Olympics presidency

French biathlon great Martin Fourcade said Monday he would "not sacrifice his convictions" as he spurned the presidency of the 2030 Winter Olympics.

Cash-keen Taliban betting on Afghanistan's mines

A miner in the mountains of eastern Afghanistan poured water over a block of jade, exposing the green stone that is part of the Taliban authorities' push to capitalise on the country's rich mineral resources.

Last news

Lula says 'world must help' Brazil save the Amazon

President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said Wednesday the "world must help" Brazil protect the Amazon, ahead of a summit next week on the world's biggest rainforest, a key buffer against climate change.

Heaviest animal ever? Scientists discover massive ancient whale

Look out, blue whale -- there's a new contender for your heavyweight title.

Running wild: stray dogs threaten rare Balkan lynx

For years, the Balkan lynx has struggled to survive as deforestation destroyed its habitat and poachers targeted the elusive mountain cat along with the animals it relies on for food.

Two-day holiday in Iran over extreme heat

Iran on Tuesday declared a two-day holiday for government workers and banks nationwide as searing temperatures sweep across the country, state media reported.

UAE vows to allow 'peaceful' assembly of climate activists at COP28

The United Arab Emirates said Tuesday it would allow environmental activists to "assemble peacefully" at this year's UN climate talks, despite a prohibition on unauthorised protests in the Gulf state.

S.Africa links fall in Kruger's rhino poaching to declining animal numbers

South Africa said on Tuesday its world-famous Kruger park had witnessed a steady decline in rhino killings as better patrols and the onslaught it suffered in recent years pushed poachers elsewhere.

At least 20 killed, 19 missing in China rainstorms

At least 20 people were killed and 19 were missing after heavy rains lashed Beijing and surrounding provinces, state media said Tuesday, in downpours that have submerged roads and deluged neighbourhoods with mud.

Spain worries over 'lifeless land' amid creeping desertification

Ongoing droughts and an over-exploitation of land for both agriculture and industry have stoked fears in Spain over the creeping spread of "sterile soil" which could devastate Europe's kitchen garden.

Military helicopters deliver aid to Beijing flood victims

China deployed military helicopters on Tuesday to deliver supplies to stranded train passengers in Beijing, state media reported, after deadly rainstorms wreaked havoc in the capital.

'Fire whirls' threaten Joshua tree desert in scorching US

A huge wildfire was raging out of control through the environmentally sensitive Mojave Desert on Monday, with "fire whirls" threatening the Joshua trees that are found almost entirely in the southwestern United States.

Venetians plead 'please don't come' as tourists jam city

Venice's famed Rialto Bridge was jammed with tourists on Monday, the same day UNESCO recommended the watery city be put on its endangered list citing overtourism and other concerns.

UN weighs Great Barrier Reef reprieve for Australia

The UN's cultural agency UNESCO said Monday its experts recommended giving Australia more time to boost protection of the Great Barrier Reef which the organisation's World Heritage Committee has threatened to declare "in danger".

UK to issue 'hundreds' of new oil, gas licences in North Sea

The UK government said Monday it would issue "hundreds" of new oil and gas licences in the North Sea to secure energy reserves while still aiming for net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Beijing on alert with two killed as heavy rain batters north China

Heavy rains battered northern China on Monday, killing at least two people in Beijing while washing away cars and inundating subway stations, with the capital issuing its highest alerts for flooding and landslides.

Raging storm batters northern China

Heavy rains battered northern China on Monday, washing away cars and inundating subway stations, with millions of people in Beijing and its surrounding areas warned by authorities to stay at home.

Extinct birds on the ballot for New Zealand's avian beauty contest

Five extinct species have been included on the ballot to find New Zealand's most popular feathered friend as competition organisers hope to draw attention to endangered birds.

Alarm as seawater heats up off Florida Keys, imperiling reef

Super-heated seawater off the Florida Keys has grown so perilous to the world's third-largest barrier reef that scientists are now removing samples of coral from ocean nurseries to place in cooler land-based tanks.

Bangladesh major hub for tiger poaching: study

Bangladesh remains a major hub for the poaching of endangered tigers despite government claims of a successful crackdown on pirate groups involved in the trade, according to research published Friday.

Scientists engineer fruit flies capable of 'virgin birth'

Scientists said on Friday they have genetically engineered female fruit flies that can have offspring without needing a male, marking the first time "virgin birth" has been induced in an animal.

G20 environment meeting ends without agreement on climate crisis

Environment ministers from G20 nations failed to agree on peaking global emissions by 2025 and other crucial issues to address the global climate crisis at their meeting in India on Friday, France's representative said.

French leader goes green to woo Pacific islands

France's President Emmanuel Macron stripped off his suit jacket Friday to wander the wild forests of Papua New Guinea on a green-tinted charm offensive in the South Pacific.

Singapore races to save 'Garbage of Eden'

Visitors to the island hosting Singapore's only landfill might expect foul odours and swarms of flies, but instead they are greeted with stunning views of blue waters, lush greenery and wildlife.

July to be hottest month on record as UN warns of 'global boiling'

July is on track to be the hottest month in recorded history, scientists confirmed Thursday, as UN chief Antonio Guterres warned Earth has moved into an "era of global boiling".

Entire pod of 97 pilot whales dies in Australia beaching

Nearly 100 pilot whales have died after beaching in Western Australia, wildlife officials said Thursday, following desperate rescue attempts.

Mineral-rich nodules and the battle over mining the deep sea

They might look like pebbles strewn across the seafloor, but to the unique animals of the ocean deep, polymetallic nodules are a crucial habitat.

Automakers form N.America EV charging network alliance

Seven major global automakers said on Wednesday they were creating a joint venture for an extensive North American charging network in a bid to boost demand for electric vehicles.

Mediterranean nations fight heat and deadly fires

Greece was expecting scorching heat on Wednesday as crews scrambled to douse deadly wildfires that have also struck nations around the Mediterranean.

Wind of change picks up for German region's energy sector

Residents of the rural Bavarian village of Schnabelwaid have said "yes" to the installation of wind turbines on the hillside next to their community in a rare win for an energy source unloved in Germany's biggest region.

51 pilot whales dead after beaching in Western Australia

More than 50 pilot whales have died hours after stranding themselves on a beach in Western Australia, with authorities saying Wednesday they are scrambling to save dozens more.

Five dead in northern Italy storms, Sicily wildfires

At least five people were found dead in Italy Tuesday following violent storms in the north and wildfires in Sicily, which could lead the government to declare a state of emergency in the hardest-hit regions.

New heatwave hits Greece as wildfires rage

Greece sweltered in a new wave of soaring temperatures Tuesday, as wildfires raged on several popular tourist islands, forcing mass evacuations.

Fond farewell as first France-born panda heads to China

The first giant panda to have been born in France received an emotional send-off on Tuesday as he left his French zoo ahead of the long haul flight back to his ancestral China.

The Japan Times - Nature (English)