|
World
New UN Climate Fund Proposal
The UN presented a draft climate funding agreement for wealthy countries to provide 250 billion dollars for developing countries by 2035, which has been met with backlash, as it falls far short of the trillions of dollars poorer nations have requested. This agreement comes with uncertainties about which nations would provide exactly how much money. Developing countries have sought out anywhere from $500 billion to $1.3 trillion annually from wealthier governments for climate mitigation and adaption measures. Recent research has shown that developing countries need more than 1 trillion dollars annually to adapt to rising global temperatures and increased frequency and intensity of natural disasters.
This map depicts what countries are vulnerable to climate change. Click on the map to learn more.
|
|
|
|
Graphic Source: UN News
__________________________________________
|
|
Laos
Methanol Poisoning Kills Six
At least six tourists from the United States, Britain, Australia, and Denmark have died in Laos after consuming methanol in contaminated alcoholic drinks. In one case, two Australian teenagers died from methanol poisoning after taking shots offered by their hostel. Methanol is colorless, odorless, and sometimes used as a cheap alternative to ethanol wherever legitimate alcohol is taxed. Methanol, however, is a toxic chemical used in fuel and products such as antifreeze. Consuming 25 to 90 milliliters of this type of alcohol is fatal but can be treated if caught early. Symptoms include headaches, dizziness, vomiting, blurred vision, and more. Drinking bottled, canned, or pre-mixed drinks is the best way to prevent methanol poisoning.
This map depicts the most common tourist destinations where methanol poisonings occur. Click on the map to learn more.
|
|
|
|
Graphic Source: Daily Mail
__________________________________________
|
|
|
|
United States
Aspens Facing Multiple Threats
In Flagstaff, Arizona, aspen trees are declining due to wildlife management, animal grazing, drought, and extreme heat caused by climate change, inflicting adverse effects on the health of the entire forest. Aspens are a resilient species of tree that are stimulated by disturbances like wildfire. However, prolonged drought and unmanaged wildlife prevent young trees from reaching maturity, and some are not regrowing. Aspens are widely distributed in North America, going as far as the Sky Islands of the American Southwest and Mexico. They are essential for bird habitat and ecosystem stability and diversity. Aspens’ main form of reproduction is regeneration, where clones sprout from the root system of a tree, allowing them to survive and thrive after disturbances like wildfires. Yet, elk eat aspens in lower elevations, and their growth is hindered by drought conditions. Increasing the sale of hunting licenses for non-native elk is one method implemented to restore the aspens.
This map depicts the Sky Islands, where aspen trees are facing threats from climate change and wildlife. Click on the map to learn more.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Q: What is the name of Africa’s highest, longest, and oldest volcanic line (chain of volcanoes)?
A: Mount Cameroon Volcanic Line
The Mount Cameroon Volcanic Line (MCVL) is one of the most significant geological features in Africa, stretching over 1,600 kilometers and influencing the geography of the Gulf of Guinea and Central Africa. It is the continent’s longest and oldest volcanic line, characterized by its dramatic landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and active volcanic activity. This volcanic line spans five ecological zones: the Atlantic Ocean, coastal mangroves, and tropical rainforests to savannas and steppes. It includes prominent landmarks such as Mount Cameroon, Africa’s fourth-highest peak at 4,040 meters (13,255 feet), and islands like Bioko and São Tomé. Its influence extends across four countries: Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Nigeria.
Source
|
|
|
|
|
Q: What national park in Southern California represents an area of convergence of two distinct desert ecosystems?
Stay tuned for the answer to today’s question in Monday’s DailyGeo.
|
|
|
|
|
AGS is accepting DailyGeo GeoQuestion suggestions.
Write to ags@americangeo.org with any ideas!
Please include GeoQuestions in the subject line, along with your answer and source.
|
|
|
|
DailyGeo is a daily digital communication created by the American Geographical Society (AGS) for the geography community. If you are receiving this email, it is because you are an affiliate of AGS or a participant in one of our programs. Feel free to share and encourage others to become part of the community too!
Copyright © 2024 American Geographical Society, All rights reserved.
We understand this might not be for everyone. Although we would hate to see you go, you can unsubscribe here.
How are we doing? We want to hear your feedback on the DailyGeo – what are we doing right and what should we be doing differently. Talk to us by emailing ags@americangeo.org.
|
|
|
|
|
