Happy holidays

 

 Enjoy your well - deserved holiday break!

Biomolecule of the Year Project

 

Link to a photo gallery

Biomolecules

Molecules gone wild (Bio style)

The Pollution Problem in New Delhi

 

New Delhi, the capital of India, is facing a serious pollution problem. The air in the city has become very dirty due to smoke from factories, cars, and burning crops in nearby areas. This is called “air pollution,” and it can make it hard to breathe and cause health problems like coughing and headaches.

The pollution in New Delhi gets worse during winter because cold air traps the smoke close to the ground. Schools sometimes close, and people are told to stay indoors to protect their health. The government is trying to fix the problem by using cleaner energy and limiting how many cars can drive each day, but the air is still very polluted.

It’s important to take care of the environment to keep the air clean and safe for everyone.

Oil Spills and Their Impact on Ceuta’s Coastline

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Oil spills can be very harmful to the environment, especially for places like Ceuta, which is surrounded by the sea. When oil spills into the ocean, it can cause several problems:

1. Harm to Marine Life: The oil can stick to the feathers of birds and the gills of fish, making it difficult for them to move and breathe. This can lead to injuries or even death for these animals.

2. Pollution: The beautiful beaches of Ceuta can get covered in sticky, black oil, making them dirty and unsafe for people and animals.

3. Health Risks: People who come into contact with the oil or breathe in its fumes can get sick. It’s important to stay away from oil spills to avoid health problems.

4. Economic Impact: Ceuta’s economy could suffer because oil spills can affect fishing, tourism, and other industries that rely on clean water and beaches.

5. Long-term Effects: The oil doesn’t go away quickly. It can stay in the environment for a long time, causing problems for years after the spill.

Five surprising ways that trees help prevent flooding

 Think of flood prevention and you might imagine huge concrete dams, levees or the shiny Thames barrier. But some of the most powerful tools for reducing flood risk are far more natural and widely recognisable: woodlands and green spaces. Trees offer much more than beauty and oxygen. Here’s how trees help to protect us from floods.

         1.  Water Absorption: Tree roots absorb water, reducing soil moisture.

              2. Soil Improvement: Trees enhance the soil’s ability to hold water.

3. Soil Retention: Roots prevent soil erosion.

4. Surface Flow Reduction: Tree canopies slow down falling rainwater.

5. Natural Filtration: Trees filter water, reducing pollutants.

This helps manage and reduce flooding risk.

Climate change in Ceuta

 Climate change is a big problem that affects the whole world, including Ceuta. Here are some ways it might impact our city:

1. Rising Sea Levels: As the Earth’s temperature increases, ice melts and sea levels rise. This could lead to flooding in coastal areas of Ceuta, affecting homes and businesses near the shore.

2. Extreme Weather: We might experience more extreme weather events, like heavy rainstorms or heatwaves. This can cause damage to buildings, roads, and other infrastructure.

3. Water Shortages: Higher temperatures and changes in rainfall patterns could lead to water shortages. This means there might be less water available for drinking, farming, and other uses.

4. Impact on Wildlife: Climate change can affect the plants and animals that live in and around Ceuta. Some species might struggle to survive if their habitats change too much.

5. Health Risks: Warmer temperatures can increase the spread of diseases and make heatwaves more dangerous, especially for older people and those with health problems.