- Researchers report much less air pollution across East Asia.
- Cleaner air lets more sunlight reach the Earth's surface.
- More sunlight can make the land and sea warmer.
- Global surface warming is now faster than before.
- Asia has warmed strongly and experienced more heatwaves.
- Monsoons are changing and cyclones can get stronger.
- Sea levels have risen and glaciers are melting.
- Experts say cutting emissions and funding adaptation is urgent.
- Governments must act soon with help.
Difficult words
- air pollution — dirty or harmful material in the air
- sunlight — light and heat from the Sun
- warming — an increase in the Earth's surface temperature
- heatwave — a long period of very hot weatherheatwaves
- monsoon — a season with heavy rain and windMonsoons
- glacier — a large slow moving mass of iceglaciers
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Have you seen air pollution where you live?
- Have you felt a heatwave before?
- Do you see more sunny days or cloudy days near you?
Related articles
New analysis: Titan may have a slushy interior, not a deep ocean
Reanalysis of Cassini data suggests Titan has a thick, slushy layer with tunnels and pockets of meltwater near a rocky core rather than a single deep ocean. The result could change ideas about habitability and will be testable by the Dragonfly mission.
Courts and the right to a healthy environment in Pakistan
Pakistan’s courts have recognised a constitutional right to a healthy environment through landmark cases and a new amendment. Legal advances face many limits, including weak civil society support, funding problems and gaps in judicial expertise.
Low-cost design to cut indoor heat in Latin American cities
A study in Energy and Buildings finds simple, low-cost design choices can reduce indoor heat in Latin American cities. Researchers used simulations in five cities and propose passive measures, training and a free digital design tool.