The need for greater environmental protection has been highlighted at this year's ongoing sardine run in South Africa, with activists warning of the risks posed to one of the country's great natural phenomena.
Every year from May to July, millions of sardines migrate along the eastern coast of South Africa, traveling over 1,000 kilometers, making it one of the largest and most spectacular migrations in the world.
The annual event is a source of great pride and excitement for people living in coastal areas of the KwaZulu-Natal Province.
"We are excited that the fish is here in the sardine run for 2025. We are happy for this fish coming to South Africa and for KZN (KwaZulu-Natal)," said a local fisherman.
However, residents and environmental volunteers are taking action to alleviate the burden on the sea caused by human activity, including plastic waste and pollution, with volunteers hitting beaches to clear away the litter.
"It's one of the last massive migrations of animals that exist. It's really important, and hundreds and hundreds of species rely on that migration, maybe not on the sardines themselves, but on what comes with them. The human impact on the ocean threatens the water temperatures and things like that, and threatens to change the natural phenomena. Don't leave your stuff there, it all ends up in the oceans. [Cleaning the beach] is probably the biggest thing we can do to try and help this and sustain it," said Gary Snodgrass, owner of the Blue Ocean Dive Resort, a popular tourist site offering activities in the area.
Last Thursday, South Africa unveiled its inaugural Coastal Climate Change Adaptation Response Plan, a strategic initiative to enhance resilience in coastal areas facing climate threats. The initiative aims to support the country's ocean economy goals while safeguarding critical sectors like tourism and fisheries.
Environmental protection highlighted at annual sardine run in South Africa
Emergency measures are being put in place to help urban areas across China cope with sweltering daytime temperatures as a severe heatwave grips multiple regions of the country, with local community rest stations being set up to shield residents and provide much-needed respite to outdoor workers amid the scorching weather.
Large swathes of the country are baking as the summer heat takes hold. According to the Central Meteorological Observatory of China, eight of the top ten hottest areas nationwide on Wednesday were in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, where Turpan and Toksun both recorded temperatures above 44.5 degrees Celsius.
The intense heat is unlikely to let up anytime soon, as Hami Meteorological Station has issued a red alert and is forecasting that temperatures in Hami City will exceed 40 degrees Celsius from Wednesday to Sunday.
In an effort to combat the heatwave, the local sanitation department has deployed multiple sprinkler and spray trucks to cover major roads in downtown Hami to help with dust suppression and road surface cooling, while upping the frequency of operations.
Persistent high temperatures have also affected many areas in the southwestern Sichuan Province, with some weather stations recording maximum highs exceeding 42 degrees Celsius and weather alerts being issued in numerous cities.
In Guang'an City, the mercury had already soared to 38 degrees Celsius by 10:00 Wednesday morning, pointing to a long, hot day ahead.
However, the county has opened nearly 350 'rest stations' to help local people escape the heat. These air-conditioned cooling points, equipped with fans, drinking water, emergency medicines, and seating, provide much-needed rest areas for outdoor workers such as delivery drivers and couriers, as well as to the elderly and other passersby.
"This round of high temperatures is characterized by its long duration, high temperatures, and the oppressive, muggy conditions, impacting outdoor workers and the elderly the most," said Yu Jilin, Secretary of the Party Leadership Group at the Wusheng County Federation of Trade Unions.
In the neighboring Chongqing Municipality, a red alert for high temperatures was issued on the same day.
At the exit of a busy highway in Wuxi County, heat waves shimmered on the road surface amid heavy traffic. Police officers on duty were busy checking vehicles under the scorching sun, focusing on any potential safety hazards in passenger and freight vehicles, while enduring the sizzling weather themselves.
"The main issue is the high temperature -- surface temperatures can reach over 50 degrees Celsius. Whenever we are on duty, the exhaust from passing fuel-powered vehicles feels scorching hot against our bodies," said Lin Xianyong, an auxiliary police officer.
Air-conditioned "rest stations" set up to provide respite as scorching heatwave grips China
