npl977 >
NE
Environment / Climate Change
Katmandu Journal Khoj Samachar
3 sources · 3 articles
Started 1 week ago · Updated 1 week ago

Global Rivers Losing Oxygen Due to Climate Change, Study Finds

Photo · khojsamachar.com

A new scientific study published in Science Advances reveals that rivers worldwide are experiencing a significant decline in dissolved oxygen levels, primarily driven by climate change and rising temperatures. Researchers analyzed data from over 21,000 river segments globally between 1985 and 2023, finding that approximately 80 percent showed decreasing oxygen concentrations, posing a threat to freshwater ecosystems.

  • Rivers are losing oxygen at an average rate of 0.045 milligrams per liter per decade, with tropical regions being the most affected.
  • Global warming is identified as the main cause, as warmer water holds less oxygen, contributing to about 63 percent of the total oxygen loss.
  • Extreme heatwaves play a significant role, accounting for approximately 23 percent of the global river oxygen loss.
  • Changes in water flow, including low flow and high flow conditions, can slightly reduce the rate of oxygen depletion compared to normal conditions.
  • The study, led by scientists from the Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, examined nearly four decades of data.

Timeline (3)

Share ↗
Related
Chinese Academy of Sciences Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology Science Advances

More in Environment

See all ›
Nepal Forest Patrol Destroys 105 Wildlife Traps Set for Musk Deer Nepal Forest Patrol Destroys 105 Wildlife Traps Set for Musk Deer

A special forest patrol in Gharpajhong Rural Municipality, Mustang, successfully destroyed 105 traps intended for illegal hunting, primarily targeting musk deer. The operation, jointly organized by the Area Conservation Office and the Conservation Area Management Committee, aimed to protect biodiversity and rare wildlife. Future patrols and the installation of surveillance cameras are planned to enhance conservation efforts.

3 articles · 12 hours ago
UN Agency Warns of Record Global Temperatures Persisting Through 2030 UN Agency Warns of Record Global Temperatures Persisting Through 2030

The United Nations' World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has warned that global average temperatures are likely to remain at or near record levels for the next five years, with a high probability of a new warmest year occurring before 2031. The WMO also stated there is a 75 percent chance the 2026-2030 period will exceed the 1.5°C threshold above pre-industrial levels.

4 articles · 1 day ago
Nepal Ranks Second in South Asia for Forest Coverage, Economic Survey Reveals Nepal Ranks Second in South Asia for Forest Coverage, Economic Survey Reveals

Nepal holds the second-highest forest coverage in South Asia, with 46.08 percent of its land covered by forests and shrubbery, according to the Economic Survey for fiscal year 2082/83 BS. Bhutan leads the region with 69.71 percent forest cover, followed by Nepal and then Sri Lanka at 34.1 percent.

5 articles · 1 day ago
Nepal Ranks Second in South Asia for Forest Cover, Bhutan Leads Nepal Ranks Second in South Asia for Forest Cover, Bhutan Leads

Nepal holds the second-highest percentage of forest cover in South Asia, according to the Economic Survey for fiscal year 2082/083. Bhutan leads the region with 69.71 percent forest coverage, while Nepal has 46.08 percent. This data highlights Nepal's significant forest resources within the region.

6 articles · 1 day ago